Running on my Record: Riley Field
- caroline9243
- May 30
- 3 min read
By: Mayor Kim Learnard
As a marathoner and mom of two cross country athletes, it’s no secret that running has a special place in my heart and in our household. I love to compete, but even more, I love watching my kids compete! It’s so special when your kids discover “their thing.” Running is challenging both mentally and physically. To see the hard work and hours of training pay off was rewarding for all of us.
This week, I watched as hundreds of kids competed in the Peachtree City Running Club’s summer track series, which is held weekly on the beautiful 400m running track at Riley Field. I loved seeing the three-year-olds race their hearts out! (I wouldn’t be surprised if many of these kids discover that running is “their thing” this summer.)
As mayor, it strengthened my resolve to ensure we have outstanding facilities for athletes of all ages and abilities. When my family moved to Peachtree City 25 years ago, it was for the sports and the schools, and I feel a deep responsibility to protect that legacy.
I am up for re-election in November, and I am proud to run on my record. One accomplishment I take great pride in is the new track at Riley Field.
When my family moved to Peachtree City 25 years ago, it was for the sports and the schools, and I feel a deep responsibility to protect that legacy.
When I took office in 2022, I conducted a town hall meeting for the public to voice their opinions on the topic of recreation. As a result, city leadership sharpened our focus on cleaning, repairing, upgrading, and maintaining our recreation facilities. From the Tennis Center to the Kedron Fieldhouse and Aquatic Center, to playground equipment citywide, we got to work revitalizing our recreation offerings. And the condition of Riley Field took center stage.
Located next to Peachtree City Elementary School, Riley Field was built 20 years ago as our city’s only facility for track and field events. But over time, the rubberized surface degraded and the paint faded; by the time I took office, the weeds had taken over. The track was unsafe.
The question of whether or not to spend money on a new running track at Riley Field was hotly debated. I knew a new track was necessary to meet the needs of hundreds of runners, running clubs, and The Peachtree City Flash kids club. As a mom of athletes, I feel strongly that kids need opportunities to participate in a variety of sports to find what they love!
But not everyone appreciates the importance of sport in the same way; hence the debate among council members. I finally called the Peachtree City Running Club and asked them to make their voices heard. If governing is a marathon, not a sprint, then the running club was the wind at our back. They engaged local runners young and old, and packed the house in a city council meeting in October of 2022. The vote was in – we would get a new track!
As a mom of athletes, I feel strongly that kids need opportunities to participate in a variety of sports to find what they love!
With its mowed infield, bleachers for the spectators, and well maintained bathrooms, ours is the best I’ve seen.
So if you have not been to Riley Field in awhile, I hope you’ll come and participate in the free track meets this summer. They are held on Wednesday nights in the month of June starting at 6:30 p.m. for runners of all ages and abilities.
Remember that you can impact our community by making your voice heard, and share the lessons and triumphs of sport with the next generation of Peachtree City athletes.
