Ridgewood High School will stay closed at two main athletic fields after recent safety testing which will create difficulty for the school’s fall sports season.

Stadium Field and Stevens Field are affected after floodwaters picked up trash and silt on synthetic turf fields. Stadium Field and Stevens Field failed multiple GMAX tests, which measure how well an athletic surface absorbs impact and help determine whether it is safe for players. 

Both fields had passed routine GMAX inspections in April 2026, according to Ridgewood Public Schools. The top layer of the playing field became tough and rigid which makes ground less safe and can raise the risk of player injuries. 

Even after multiple GMAX safety tests find that the playing field does not meet required standards for athletic play. Closing means that Ridgewood High School is not going to organize home football or soccer games in this fall season. 

Even schools or working officials with neighboring schools are looking for other location options for game practices but shifting the entire athletic schedule & game practices to a different location will create difficulty for students, coaches & families.

A major problem is Ridgewood is dealing with an athletic field which is due persistent flooding because these two athletic fields have faced flood damage in the past which is creating concern amongst the North Jersey Community. Even replacing turf fields is quite expensive.

This incident affected Ridgewood students more than their sports schedules because home football games & soccer matches are an essential part of school in the North Jersey community which bring students, families, coaches & supporters together.

Athletic Director Keith Cook is working on searching other locations for football practices and soccer games which means families & coaches need to wait for updated schedules. Student safety is important for safe game practice which local families will concentrate on until then Ridgewood focuses on finding long-term solutions for flood-prone athletic facilities.