Close Windows In Ridgewood, Officials Say, As Repairs To School Ballfields Stir Dust

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Not only did this summer's storms damage Ridgewood's athletic fields so severely that students must play fall sports elsewhere — now, dust from the cleanup is spreading to nearby homes.

Earlier this month, school officials said that repeated tests showed that flooding made the fields unsafe for teen athletes to use this season. The district said they'll get them fixed as quickly as they can.

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But this week's work has been kicking up dust.

On Thursday, school officials advised those living next to the field to shut their windows.

In a letter sent to the community Wednesday, the district wrote:

"Cleanup began yesterday, active cleaning beginning today, Wednesday, Sept. 9, with the initial phase of brushing the fields. Please be aware that we learned today that this stage of the process will create some dust clouds. We will minimize dust by spraying water during brushing."

They added, "However, we recommend that neighbors closest to the fields close their windows and stay indoors to avoid any impact from the dust."

On Thursday, crews arrived to replace the crumb rubber, made of discarded tires.

Read more about the cleanup here.more about the cleanup here.

See the full letter below.

Letter To The Community

We are writing to inform you about the commencement of cleanup and restoration efforts for the high school Stadium Field.

Cleanup began yesterday, active cleaning beginning today, Wednesday, September 9th, with the initial phase of brushing the fields. Please be aware that we learned today that this stage of the process will create some dust clouds. We will minimize dust by spraying water during brushing. However, we recommend that neighbors closest to the fields close their windows and stay indoors to avoid any impact from the dust.

Upon completion of the cleanup, the fields will again undergo GMAX testing. This crucial test measures the shock absorption of the playing surface to ensure adequate infill and softness, for the safety and playability of the fields.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we undertake these necessary repairs. We will provide further updates as the restoration progresses. For questions or clarifications, please contact info@rpsnj.us.