Hodgins Stadium Open For Residents

The Borough and the Paramus school district are making an effort to open the recently renovated George W. Hodgins stadium to residents.

The Borough and the district combined to build a turf field at the stadium last summer. As part of that effort, municipal and school officials hoped to open the stadium up for resident use.

"We do want members of the community who want to exercise up there to be able to do it," Steven Cea, business administrator for Paramus schools, said.

Before the renovation, the stadium was locked when it wasn't being used. Though resident use might be limited during the school year when it interferes with physical education classes and athletics, the gate has been open this summer.

Now the district and the Borough are collaborating to ensure the field is used properly. Only Paramus residents will be allowed to use the field, or organizations with permits.

Cea said cameras were installed to monitor the field, and "residents only" signs will go up.

"This does not come out as a result of any significant problem," Mayor Richard LaBarbiera said.

Both the district and the Borough only want to protect their investment, he said. In addition to the cameras and signs, park rangers from the Shade Tree and Parks commission will patrol the field.

"We just want to ensure that the community can use what we think is a real valuable resource, and do it respectful of the schools and the school's needs, and keep it in good shape for current and future residents," Cea said.