University of Alabama to Close Access to Running Park, Keep Arboretum Public

The University of Alabama will close a running park to the public while continuing to allow access to its nearby tree-filled Arboretum and nature preserve, they announced last week.

UA will install new fences and gates to enclose the Harry Pritchett Running Park and restrict access in April. The space is located beside the UA Arboretum, off Veterans Memorial Parkway and Loop Road, and is used for cross-country running trails.

The park opened in 1959 as the University Golf Course and was rebranded in 1980 to the Harry Pritchett Golf Course. In 2003, UA converted the all-grass, flat-to-rolling course for cross-country use and has since hosted a series of SEC Championships and regional championships there.

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The running park has been open to the public, but will close in April and will be limited exclusively for student training and competition.

In their announcement, the University made it clear that this will not affect access to its nearby UA Arboretum, which is home to almost 150 plant and tree species.

The wildflower-lined walking trails and outdoor amphitheater are favorites among local hikers, and the large, catalogued plant collection offers a hands-on way to learn about the area's incredible biodiversity.

A UA spokesperson said the fences and gates will be installed in March, and access will become restricted at the beginning of April.

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