Cal Ripken Youth Development Park in Black Rock Update

Construction for the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation’s Youth Development Park began on July 3, 2012.  The initial work completed between July 3 and July 23 included installation of sediment and erosion control measures, construction fencing, the removal of the older equipment (playscape, backstop, fencing), and the initial excavation of the turf around the edges of the ballfield site. The main drainage trenches beneath the field were also excavated to depth. 

During the week of July 23-27 excavation work at the site continued on two areas directly to the north and south of the basketball courts where soil were excavated to a depth of at least one foot below grade. The soils removed were used on-site to elevate grade on the construction area for the baseball field to the west. Dust monitoring and representative air samples were collected during this work. Dust levels were in compliance with all air standards during the site work during this time. During the soil capping work, there has been, and will continue to be, continuous air monitoring to make sure that contaminated soil and dust does not spread beyond the work zone. Air monitoring equipment has been set up at the boundaries of the park.

A health and safety plan has been prepared to address soil or dust issues, should they be encountered. The objective of this plan is to protect workers and nearby residents during the project. DEEP and DPH have approved the air monitoring and health and safety plan. No issues or elevated levels of dust or contaminants have been detected during the work to date. The soil capping part of the project is expected to take two weeks. It will then take about ten weeks to build the ballpark. Updates will be provided at the end of each week of the remedial phase.