A survey of all athletic complex light poles which was prompted by a light pole that fell at the Roselle Park High School (RPHS) athletic complex on the first weekend of April during a storm has been completed according to Roselle Park School District (RPSD) Superintendent Pedro Garrido.
According to the superintendent, French & Parrello Associates (link) out of Wall Township were contracted to complete a structural survey and inspection of all the 24 light poles in and around the high school area. The inspection was conducted yesterday, April 13th, and a ‘detailed investigation’ report is expected by the engineering firm that will include not only the structural condition of the light poles but also recommendations on whether any additional repair or replacements are needed.
Superintendent Garrido stated that once the Board Of Education (BOE) receives the inspection report, it will proceed with any recommendations in order to quickly – yet safely – implement a plan to open the fields.
All high school athletic fields will remain closed until further notice.
“Thank you for your understanding and please be reassured that the safety of our students continues to be our number one priority,” stated Superintendent Garrido in a letter sent to parents.
During the April 5th BOE meeting, some parents and residents in attendance spoke on the fields being accessible to the public on Monday, after the light pole had fallen during the weekend. The fields were closed by Tuesday morning with the BOE stating that police patrols would focus on making sure no one entered into the fields. A resident had also recommended placing a sign on all entrances stating that the fields would remain closed.
The next BOE meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26th, at the Roselle Park High School auditorium at 7 o’clock in the evening.
Photographs courtesy, copyright, and property of Pernilla Royster.
