Baker Field Track In Inwood Reopened To The Public On Monday

INWOOD, NY — The Columbia University track at the Baker Field Athletics Complex reopened to the public on Monday. The outdoor track has been closed throughout the pandemic.

A sign for the "Open Track Hours" in May was recently posted outside the track, and Columbia's website was updated with the new hours.

The track and athletic complex is located at 533 West 218th Street.

Here are the hours for May 3rd to May 28:

• Monday: 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Tuesday: 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Wednesday: 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Thursday: 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The number of people on the track at any time will be capped at 20 people, masks must be worn at all times, use of the turf field is prohibited, and Columbia asks that 6 feet of social distancing be maintained at all times.

Use of the stadium steps, playing any sort of sport, and fitness classes in the track area are still not allowed.

In April, Chantel Marie created a petition addressed to Columbia University and Columbia Athletics to reopen the track.

"Women in the neighborhood are especially keen on regaining access to this track for safety reasons, Marie wrote. "The guard at the front gate can ensure only visitors wearing masks are allowed entry, and if possible, Columbia could limit the amount of visitors at any given time."

Marie also questioned why if movie theaters and gyms have reopened in New York City, what's stopping Columbia from reopening an "OUTDOOR track in the fresh air?"

Marie called the news the track was reopening — "fantastic."