Bernards Township board advances Ridge High varsity field drainage and turf project, with lighting left as future option

The Bernards Township Board of Education voted to approve finance consent items that include a base bid to address drainage on three Ridge High School varsity fields and to convert the soccer field from natural grass to artificial turf.

The base bid, presented by district finance staff, covers drainage improvements for the varsity softball, baseball and soccer fields and the conversion of the soccer field to synthetic turf. The bid also includes underground conduit around the new turf field to allow for future lighting, but the district did not approve any light poles or field lighting at this time. Two alternates included in the procurement cover replacement of a deteriorated fence around the soccer field and a new backstop for the varsity baseball field.

The district estimated the base bid figure at about $2,000,007.49 for the project base plus alternates, and administrators said the conduit was included now to preserve the option of adding lights later without reopening major ground work.

Public commenters urged caution and clarified legal constraints. Resident Jonathan Lane said the fields in question were purchased with New Jersey Green Acres funds and therefore “those fields belong to the town. They don't belong to the board of education,” and that altering Green Acres land triggers stricter environmental permitting and approvals. Vicky Coffin asked that the existing drainage ditch be cleared as part of the project, saying “there are trees down and a lot of vegetation in it” that must be removed for the drainage to function. Karen Fisher, a parent, thanked the board for pursuing field repairs, citing student-safety concerns from poorly maintained playing surfaces.

Board and facilities staff said the base bid is intended to correct persistent drainage problems and that lighting is explicitly a future option — the conduit will be installed but no lighting equipment or poles were purchased. The facilities committee noted the project team adjusted the position of a scour hole to better direct water flow.

The motion to approve the finance items, which included this project, passed on a roll call vote. Administration noted that fencing and backstop work were included as alternates so the board could consider them in the same contract cycle if funds and timing allow.

Next steps include contract finalization and permitting. District staff cautioned that any work impacting Green Acres-protected land may require additional environmental review and municipal approvals before construction can proceed.