3-21-2025 5:41am

Alamogordo Public Schools Allows Community Access to Playgrounds and Bob Sepulveda Track and Field

Chris Edwards Editor

It has taken over a year to move a policy forward but finally the Alamogordo Public Schools has opened up recreational facilities access to the public. On May 5th, of 2024, we submitted a request to School Superintendent Crabtree and the school board president, asking that the High School Bob Sepulveda Track and Field and area school playgrounds be made accessible for use by children, families and elder adults.

We explained at the time, we were witnessing children climbing fences over the weekends, accessing school playgrounds and for safety sake they could be safely opened to the public.

We also encouraged that the Coach Bob Sepulveda Track and Field at Alamogordo High School be opened and accessible that many people beyond students, to include senior citizens, would love the use of the track, as a safe facility to walk and train for good health, fitness and even the Senior Olympics.

That request has now been answered with a positive outcome to the public..

In a press release from Michelle Brideaux Alamogordo Public Schools announced that school playgrounds and the Alamogordo High School AHS) Tiger Stadium Bob Sepulveda Track and Field are now open to the public during non-school hours, offering valuable recreational spaces for our community. We believe in sharing our resources and are happy to provide these areas for neighborhood residents, families, and children to enjoy.

“We understand that our school facilities are important community assets,” said Interim Superintendent Michael Crabtree. “We want to make these spaces available for everyone to use and enjoy, promoting healthy activity and community engagement.”

To ensure these spaces remain safe and enjoyable for everyone, including our students, we ask that all community members observe the following guidelines:

General Guidelines for School Playgrounds and Tiger Stadium:

Please help keep these areas clean and safe for our students. The following are prohibited on school grounds:

Alcohol or Drugs, Weapons, Animals (except service animals as defined by ADA), Glass Containers, Fireworks, Motorized Vehicles and Smoking or Vaping

Hours of Use:

School Playgrounds: are to the public daily during non-school hours, with no public access after sundown.

Tiger Stadium Bob Sepulveda Track and Field: The track is open to the public after high school dismissal, Monday through Friday, until sundown.

The facility is closed to the public during school-sponsored practices and events.
For example, the track is currently closed during track practices and meets. The track is closed when APS is closed, including holidays and school breaks. Summer access is now permitted.

“We believe that by working together, we can ensure that these spaces remain a source of pride for our community,” added Crabtree. “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in following these guidelines.”

Alamogordo Public Schools is committed to fostering a strong relationship with the community and providing valuable resources for all. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these outdoor spaces and enjoy them responsibly.

Have questions? Call Let’s Talk at 575-812-8573

This is a huge win in access for our community, seniors and the fitness and wellness community. Health and Finess Life Coach and 2 time Olympic Trials Athlete Rene Sepulveda said he is thrilled that the Alamogordo Public Schools finally opened access to the multiple playgrounds across the city and the the Alamogordo High School track and field that had been named in his fathers honor.

He said, "I can't wait to take some of my senior clients to the Bob Sepulveda Track and Field for training this summer. Thank you APS for opening up this access to a truly amazing and historic facility. This facility is legendary in it's history, and its past positive impact, on so many individuals that has used it over the decades since my dad had the first track built in the late 60s. It was available to the public then, when the community came together to fund it with the help of the Evening Lions, Rotary, Kiwanis and business leaders of the time unified for a best in class facility in Southern New Mexico. It is only right that the public may share in it's magic today respecting the traditions of the past."