Schools
Foley Field Renovations Hit Home Stretch
Asphalt for the new track was put down and the artificial field turf is on the way
The thick, pungent smell of asphalt punctured air at Foley Field where several workers used machines and rakes to set down the new track surface.
The rest of the sports field is shaping up nicely as well. The long jump pits have been dug and the football/soccer field’s new artificial turf will be installed this week.
“You’re in the home stretch,” Bloomfield High School Athletics Director Steve Jenkins said during a site tour last week. The asphalt will take about two weeks to cure, Jenkins said, then the rubberized surface would be put on. A huge pile of temporary bleachers were on the side, ready and waiting for instillation.
Foley Field, named after notable football coach William Foley, was built in 1934 as a Works Progress Administration project, Jenkins said. The athletic field fell into disrepair over the decades and this is the first major renovation.
Once the upgrades are done, the school district plans to have a special homecoming in October for the Bengals, Bloomfield High School Principal Chris Jennings said. He noted the football team hasn’t played a home game in two years and the high school track hasn’t been up to par for about 15 years.
“Clearly we’re very excited,” Jennings said. “This is going to be something that, like the last Foley Field, will be around for generations.”
The work is being funded by a $2.9 million referendum passed by voters last year.
The district is also in the process of receiving a $900,000 Green Acres grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection to help complete the restoration with permanent bleachers and a concession stand, Jennings said.
“Really, for the community as well, it will be a hub,” Jennings said. “We’re anticipating the community to use the track, and it really will be a focal point for Bloomfield.”
To view the live-stream video of Foley Field’s renovations, visit
http://www.bloomfield.k12.nj.us/foley/
