Approximately 150 people have signed up for a key card to gain access to the Mercer Island track in the last several months.

To protect students who use the track and because of the large investment of the school district in the track and field at Islander Stadium, the district decided to restrict off-hours access by locking the stadium and only allowing those who register to use it.

Most school districts in the area have similar policies. Tony Kuhn, the head of maintenance and operations for the district, said they’ve had a lot of sign-ups, and almost every one of the cards issued is used regularly.

“It’s very busy in the mornings,” he said, typically picking up around 5 a.m.

Those who wish access to the track and field must sign up with the school district and provide information to be used to conduct a criminal background check. For information and the required forms, go to www.misd.k12.wa.us.