UPDATED: DeHart Field Reopens

Maplewood Township has reopened the playing field at DeHart Park, according to an email message from the township.

The fields were closed last year after the turf was found to have a fungal infection that had damaged newly replanted sod. (The turf initially had to be replaced when it was discovered the contractor had incorrectly installed it with a netting that was supposed to be removed before installation.)

In September, township engineer Thomas Malavasi said the field would likely remain closed through the end of the year, but the township was able to open it ahead of schedule.

"We are very happy to be able to open it up earlier," said Malavasi, who noted that the township's turf expert had given the field a clean bill of health.

"It's growing and it's healthy," Malavasi said. "We will continue to monitor the condition."

Malavasi said the township will add two new signs, one at the entrance to the field and the other near the DeHart Community Center. He also said that the Recreation Department will begin to schedule games and practices for local sports teams.

According to today's release from township administrator Joseph Manning, "the contractor stripped the field and installed the correct turf material at no cost to the township. The field has since been allowed to take hold of the new turf and the township has an organic playing field."