Ridgewood Turf Fields Fail Safety Testing After Severe Flood Events
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Following back-to-back storm surges on July 29 and August 7, Ridgewood Public Schools is confronting a serious safety and financial crisis regarding its athletic facilities.
During a recent “Coffee Talk” address, Ridgewood School Superintendent Schwarz revealed that Stevens Field suffered extensive flood damage after nearby waters overran their banks, bypassed the footbridge, and dumped tons of debris onto the south side of the field.
The flooding exposed major vulnerabilities inherent to artificial turf fields, leading to failed safety inspections.
Failed Shock Absorption and Crumb Rubber Risks
During post-flood evaluations, the district’s artificial turf failed mandatory safety protocols designed to protect student-athletes.
“Unfortunately, we did not pass the shock absorption test,” Superintendent Schwarz stated, emphasizing the strict testing standards required for synthetic surfaces.
When flooded and heavily saturated, the crumb rubber infill within artificial turf compacts significantly. As crumb rubber hardens, the surface loses its cushioning properties, drastically increasing the risk of concussions and impact injuries for children.
The district has brought in a specialized firm for a second opinion, and an independent third-party inspector must verify that the fields are safe before student-athletes can return to play.
A Multi-Million Dollar Dilemma: Replacement Looming
The recent flood damage highlights the ongoing, costly maintenance required for synthetic turf installations. With crumb rubber compaction and structural damage taking hold, the district faces a tough road ahead.
Superintendent Schwarz noted the long-term outlook for the district’s athletic fields:
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Impending Replacement: “Fields will need to be replaced in the next 3 to 5 years.”
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Full Reconstruction Required: “Fields will need to be reconstructed in some way, shape, or form.”
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Immediate Focus: The district’s current priority is getting at least one playing field safe and operational for upcoming sports seasons.
Watch the Full Update
You can view Superintendent Schwarz’s full statements during the recorded session directly on YouTube: Watch the Ridgewood Superintendent Coffee Talk Segment
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Tags: #RidgewoodNJ #StevensField #RidgewoodSchools #ArtificialTurf #BergenCounty #LocalNews #YouthSports
shocking….turf field failed safety tests……and will cost multi millions to replace in the next few years….has anyone thought of grass??
and we are destined to repeat the same issues at shedler…..
Hilarious !