Major Drainage Issues At Ridge Softball Field To Be Improved

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Ridge High School varsity softball field may soon see some improvements after parents and athletes expressed safety concerns.

During the June 20 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Nick Markarian gave an update on the district's plan to improve conditions caused by severe drainage issues at the unplayable field.

The district's Director of Facilities William Larkin went over a survey of the area completed by a hired professional engineer.

Larkin is meeting with the township engineer to consider the necessity of soil erosion and sediment control plans, said Markarian.

Larkin is also meeting with three contractors to get bidding started for the project.

The plan includes silt fencing, stripping and stockpiling topsoil, placing and grading new fill, installing sod and/or seed, and restoring all disturbed areas.

• Read More: 'Unsafe' Fields, Major Drainage Issue Impacting Ridge Softball

Lynn Murray, a parent of a softball player, thanked Markarian and the board for the update. She also noted that the softball players were "pretty shocked that they had people approaching them, commending them for their bravery" when they spoke out about the field conditions.

A group of Ridge softball players addressed the board at the June 13 meeting saying they were "exceptionally disappointed with the lack of attention" that has been brought to the varsity field.

"Varsity field is an extreme danger and an embarrassment to the Ridge softball program with a rock solid infield and a mud-filled swamp for an outfield," said the teammates.

As a result, the girls' softball team was unable to play on their own field and forced to play all home games at Pleasant Valley Park.

Aramark previously put in a temporary drainage system but it did not alleviate the issues.

"We are looking forward to seeing the progress throughout the summer and see what happens," said Murray.

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