Those cold, short days of the season are now here, but for those looking to adhere to a New Year's resolution of a healthier 2017, fear not, Norwood has you covered. If you don’t like walking outside during winter’s icy cold or dark evenings, you can still stay in shape. The Norwood High School walking track above the school’s gymnasium is open for the winter season to residents of Norwood, age 18 and above. Offered to the public since 2012, the track is open during the school year on weekdays 5-9 p.m. It is closed on holidays, school vacation weeks, and “no school” days.
The track is 660 feet long and eight laps would clock in a mile. To take advantage of the walking track, applicants must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check and pay $5 for an ID badge which allows entry to the school after hours.
“CORI requests are a routine procedure by the school department for all personnel, including those who act as chaperones for various activities,” Norwood High School Principal Jonathan Bourn said.
CORI provides a record of all criminal court appearances in Massachusetts for a particular individual, including arrests, convictions, dismissals, and serious violations. CORI checks are meant as a safety measure since there are often students in the building at the same time walkers are there.
“Our student athletes will be using the high school facilities into the evening each day as residents are also accessing the walking track.” Bourn said.
CORI checks are good for three years, after which a new check is required.
Applications can be delivered to any school office, including the Superintendant’s office at the Savage Center, 275 Prospect St. Once your CORI clearance has been issued, you will be invited to the Facilities Department at the Savage Center to obtain a photo ID. This ID will open door #9 on the gymnasium side of the building and will not open any other door to the high school. IDs are to be worn while using the walking track in the evenings.
Walking track users must observe a number of rules and access to the facility may be revoked if guidelines are not adhered to. First, there is no running or jogging allowed inside. The track is strictly for walking. Also, no strollers or young children are allowed on the track. Walkers must also wear sneakers or walking shoes. No cleats are allowed. A full list of walking track guidelines and a CORI application can be found at http://www.norwood.k12.ma.us/buildings-grounds/documents/walking_track_2....
Donna Lane is a Norwood-based writer, lecturer and designer. You can reach her at addictedgardener@verizon.net.
Issue Date:
January, 2017
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