After last weekend's Ridgefield High School baseball game at Governor Park was delayed due to weather conditions, 24 gallons of gasoline was poured on a portion of the field in an attempt to "dry the field quicker".
Thankfully, no one was injured. "My concern was the incredible safety issue that existed there - cans of gas and fire risking the lives of many people," said First Selectman, Rudy Marconi.
Marconi said that the cleanup and restoration of the Governor Park Baseball Field will cost approximately $45,000. Thirty thousand in costs have already been incurred due to excavation, removal and disposal of contaminated soil.
Will the Town foot the bill? "I don’t think the taxpayers should be responsible for an act such as this," said Marconi. He is encouraging those involved in this incident to come forward. "Do your Town a favor," Marconi said. You can call Rudy at 203-431-2700 or call the Police (who are currently investigating the incident) at 203) 438-6531.
The field is currently closed but if all goes well, local baseball enthusiasts can assume their rightful positions by Saturday, April 13.
Marconi explained that an offsite lab is currently testing soil samples to make sure they are clean and contaminate free. The report is expected to be in the Town's hands on Wednesday. "When that report comes back (and assuming the sample is free of contaminants) we can then begin backfilling," said Marconi, who added, "Ridgefield Parks & Rec is ordering clay. It will be delivered to the field and put in place and then, we can restore the field to its original condition."
*Image courtesy Alex Fischetti