Ridgewood Public Schools has temporarily closed its two primary high school athletic fields, Ridgewood High School Stadium and Stevens Field, for the entire autumn season. This action comes after independent assessments revealed that the fields failed to meet the necessary safety criteria for player impact absorption. The school district is working diligently to secure alternative locations for team practices and competitions, assuring the community that updates will be provided promptly. A Superintendent Coffee event is also planned to facilitate an open discussion with community members regarding these developments.
Immediate Field Closures Due to Safety Concerns
In a recent announcement, Ridgewood Public Schools confirmed the immediate closure of Ridgewood High School Stadium and Stevens Field for the entirety of the current fall sports season. This decision was necessitated by the failure of both fields to meet safety standards during GMAX shock absorption testing. While initial routine inspections in April had shown the fields to be compliant, subsequent tests conducted by three different vendors indicated that the surfaces no longer provided adequate impact absorption for athletic activities. The school district emphasized that player safety is their utmost priority, leading to the difficult but necessary decision to restrict access to these facilities until further notice.
The closure of Ridgewood High School Stadium and Stevens Field stems from GMAX shock absorption test failures, as communicated by Ridgewood Public Schools on August 27. These tests are crucial for evaluating the shock-absorbing properties of athletic surfaces to prevent injuries. Although both fields had successfully passed these tests earlier in April during standard inspections, a recent re-evaluation yielded concerning results. Two out of three independent vendor tests revealed that the fields did not meet the required safety thresholds. In an attempt to rectify potential issues, decompaction work was carried out on both fields to clear silt buildup that had accumulated over the spring and summer. However, even after these maintenance efforts, the latest round of GMAX testing still showed a failure to meet safety standards, leaving the district with no option but to close the fields for the remainder of the fall season to ensure the well-being of its student-athletes.
Addressing Operational Challenges and Community Impact
Following the unexpected closure of the fields, Athletic Director Keith Cook is actively engaged in coordinating new schedules and locations for all affected sports teams and practices. The district acknowledges the significant disruption this situation poses for athletes, coaches, and families, particularly as the fall sports season is already underway. School officials have pledged to maintain open communication, providing timely updates on alternative arrangements as they become available. Furthermore, a special Superintendent Coffee session will be organized shortly to provide additional information and allow community members to voice their concerns and engage directly with school leadership on this pressing issue.
The impact of the field closures extends beyond immediate scheduling changes, affecting various aspects of the school's athletic program. Football and soccer, key fall sports, are directly impacted, requiring coaches to quickly adapt their training and competition plans. This is not the first time these fields have faced disruptions; past incidents of flooding from the nearby Ho-Ho-Kus Brook have led to closures and significant damage in September 2023, February 2024, and July 2025, with one rainstorm alone causing an estimated $50,380 in damages. Although tarps were previously acquired to mitigate flood damage, their effectiveness in preventing increased flooding to surrounding residential areas remains a concern, making their recent usage unclear. School Superintendent Mark Schwarz highlighted that not only water, but also debris carried by floodwaters, contributes to field deterioration, along with damage to surrounding walkways, plantings, and footbridge ramps. The district appreciates the community's continued patience and flexibility as they navigate this complex situation and work towards long-term solutions for field safety and usability.
