High School Field House Renovations Welcomed By Bridgewater Officials

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Renovation plans for Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School's Field House are a "welcome change," said Township officials on Tuesday.

The school district provided a courtesy review of the architectural plans for renovations and site improvements to the Bridgewater Planning Board on Tuesday night.

"I think the fieldhouse needs some renovation and the plan looks beautiful to me," said Board member Henry Wang.

The renovation plan includes repaving the entire front parking lot which runs along Garrestson Road and Commons Way. The amount of parking spots will remain the same but some reorganization of spots will be conducted.

Walkways around the entire fieldhouse and leading to the stream toward the high school will also be redone.

A restroom building with eight toilet stalls and three sinks each will be installed on the girls' and boys' sides. This will replace the current Porta Johns.

The main entrance to the field will be relocated to allow an easier flow for major events and for access to fields and bleachers.

Everything will be ADA accessible and a new marquee and graphics will be added to the building.

Construction is expected to begin in April with the home bleachers being replaced and some building work. The parking lot will be the last part to be completed, which is estimated to be in August.

While construction is underway, the district has moved graduation to Rutgers University. Read More: Bridgewater-Raritan High School Graduation Moves To Rutgers

Overall, Planning Board members were in favor of the project with Inderpreet Banga calling the renovations a "welcome change."

"I think it's a good addition because more bathrooms are needed," said Board member Sonja Chartowich.

The project is expected to be finished by the time football season starts.

"I am excited this looks great. My kids will enjoy it since they go through the school system too," said Board member Ashley Sikora. "The bathrooms, I echo, are definitely needed."

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.