Baseball Back at Vets

After several back-and-forth discussions with organizers, Village Council approved renovations to Veterans Field so high school baseball could return to the facility.

In a 4-0 vote with Councilman Pat Mancuso absent, the council agreed to allow the Ridgewood High School Baseball Booster Association to begin construction on the field adjacent to Village Hall and the library.

Spearheaded by high school alum and former professional baseball player Graham "Chip" Conklin, the project is privately funded.

The RHSBBA agreed to 17 stipulations laid out and approved in an Oct. 28 resolution. Some restrictions pertain to advertising, fence height and maintenance, others detail flood precautions, field authority, and payment information.

Essentially, the Village Council maintains the right to put up or take down fencing whenever it sees fit. The resolution allows for the varsity baseball team to play under the 30-foot backstop netting and outfield fence from March 1 to June 30. After that date, it will be to the council's discretion to allow other activities. 

Foul poles are restricted, as is any advertising. Additionally, paved concrete sidewalks will be constructed to connect the current walking path to two concrete bleachers.

After erected, the village manager and council have authority to request changes to the field.

The project, estimated between $125,000 and $130,000 by the Ridgewood News, was designed by Ives, Schier, and Lesser Architecture Studio. Construction may begin this week, council said.