-Kean Field Still Sidetracked

Kean Field Still Sidetracked

By: P.G.F. III

What has been going on with Kean’s track and field project which has been under construction for the past three years? The short answer is: not much.

The Kean Devil Rays football team started the year off with no field to play on and despite many promises, they were forced to forfeit their regular season finale. At the end of the season, the practice field remained rocky and unprepared. The field was mowed, but the top soil had not been spread to prevent players from injury during game play.

“There doesn’t seem to be much going on. They brought in some dirt from the airport, but I haven’t seen much progress made,” said Peter Seipel, the I.E.K.H.S. physical education department chairman. The field project was supposed to be completed by August of 2010.

The project has been delayed as contractors complete the hydrology study. The study will help planners drain existing water and prevent a potential flood of the project area.

“The hydro study is on its way and is in its final stage. Different meetings have been held with the Department of Education, Public Works and the Federal Highway where the Eclipse Consultants --the Engineering Company that has been hired to accomplish the Hydro task-- informed the agencies of their findings and suggestions,” said Vance E. Pinney, the director of facilities at the Department of Education.

The estimated cost of the track and field project is $2.6 million. Phase I of the track and field consisted of construction of a retaining wall and grading of the field. It was completed in April of 2008.

Phase II of the track and field project includes the installation of a new track, bleachers and overhead stadium lights. Phase II was delayed because of lack of funding and the exceptional rainfall during September, October and November of 2010.

According to the National Weather Service/Weather Forecast Office, “Thanks to the record rainfall that accumulated with the tail of moisture feeding into Hurricane Otto, an astounding 21.52 inches of rain fell over the one week period ending on October 8th at Red Hook Bay, St. Thomas.”

Accreditation for Kean High School runs out in 2012. With the current status of the gym and track and football field, it has come into question whether or not accreditation will be renewed.

Dr. Sharon McCollum, the I.E.K.H.S. principal, said, “I spoke with Mr. Smalls [commissioner of Public Works] about the progress of the field. What I’m seeing and what I’m hearing are two different things.”

The Education Department and Public Works started the construction on the track and field in 2007 and after many delays, they hope to complete the project before the next school year begins.