Ridgewood Athletic Fields Storm Cleanup: Safety Testing and Fall Practice Updates

file photo by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Following recent severe weather across Bergen County, Ridgewood Public Schools has been working diligently to restore and evaluate local athletic turf. While major flooding was largely avoided, heavy rain left significant silt and debris across Stevens Field and the perimeter of Stadium Field.

Here is the latest update on field safety, critical GMAX shock-absorption testing, and practice schedules for Ridgewood High School student-athletes.

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Key Takeaways for Ridgewood Families

• Decompaction Complete: Field specialists successfully decompacted built-up silt across both Stevens and Stadium fields to restore proper turf integrity.

• GMAX Safety Testing Pending: A third-party vendor is scheduled to conduct GMAX safety testing to measure surface shock absorption before athletes resume regular play.

• Weather-Dependent Schedule: Testing is slated for midweek, contingent on dry weather. Heavy rain leading up to the evaluation can distort test accuracy.

• Practice Rotations Active: RHS sports teams will continue using rotating practice sites within the Village until official safety clearances are received.

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Understanding GMAX Testing & Athlete Safety

Prioritizing player safety requires verifying that synthetic turf handles impacts properly. GMAX testing measures a playing surface’s shock-absorption capabilities, ensuring the turf absorbs force effectively to lower the risk of concussions and lower-body injuries during fall competition.

Once the certified GMAX safety report is complete, official findings and updated field access schedules will be released to the community.

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Important Information for High School Athletes & Coaches

To maintain continuous training while fields undergo final evaluation:

• Daily Schedule Verification: Coaches and athletes should review the Village facility schedule daily, as practice times and field allocations may shift based on turf availability and athletic trainer coverage.

• Rotational Venues: Teams requiring turf space will remain on designated rotational schedules throughout Ridgewood until full clearance is granted.

Ridgewood Public Schools appreciates the patience and adaptability of our players, coaches, and parents as we prioritize safety first. Further updates will follow as soon as testing results are finalized.

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