Those who've peppered Durham Recreation about using the track at Durham County Memorial Stadium now have what they've been asking for — at least for a while.
The track at the newly renovated stadium is open on Thursdays through Aug. 15 to lunchtime walkers.
Citizens of Durham can utilize the track between the hours of noon and 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Entry onto the track will be at the east gate side of the track, closest entrance to the Durham County Regional Hospital.
Hospital workers have been among those most interested in using the stadium's track for walking and jogging during lunch hours or after work, says Reco Chavis, manager for Durham County Memorial Stadium.
While the hours are restricted, and just temporary, the program could expand if it's well received, he says.
"We think this will be a very good test," Chavis says. "We've received a lot of phone calls, so we know it's going to be received well."
After August, the Durham County Memorial Stadium Authority will review the use of the track, weighing its popularity against any wear on the facility and the cost of providing security for the walkers.
"It could expand," Chavis said. "We know a lot of people already want to walk out there. … We'll just have to see how it goes."
Elliott Warnock writes for The Chapel Hill News and The Durham News. He can be reached at