Lehighton Area High School’s athletic stadium will remain locked during the summer and on holidays and weekends after a community member’s request to open it for public use.

Directors and administrators cited liability Monday night when voting 6-2 to keep the facility closed when there is no district staff around to monitor its use.

“We spoke to our insurance company and they had concerns about keeping it open,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Fish said. “During the week, there are people on campus who are able to monitor it, but we would have to hire someone for weekend supervision.”

The stadium was left open for public use shortly after it opened in 2016, but incidents led to a change of protocol.

“There was a situation where someone moved one of the soccer nets and unintentionally tore the turf,” Fish said. “At that time, it’s my understanding the turf was still under warranty, but now it is not.”

Directors Joy Beers and Nathan Foeller voted against keeping the stadium closed.

“I’m of the opinion that the public paid for it and should be able to use it,” Beers said.

Since the high school stadium opened, the district has left the field/track at the middle school available for public use.

According to Fish, Lehighton’s insurance provider also recommended closing public access to that facility.

“Our building and grounds crew recently found some kids on the roof of the field house over at the middle school,” Fish said.

Board member Barbara Bowes said she would be in favor of closing the middle school stadium as well.

“I don’t want some kid falling off the roof and breaking their neck,” she said. “I know anyone can climb the fence, but at least if we close it, they would be trespassing.”