Snow mounds in the parking lot at Count Basie Field, among other athletic fields in Red Bank, may cause a delay in the start of spring sports programs. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi; click to enlarge)

By DUSTIN RACIOPPI

A little over a week ago, the problem was snow and ice. Now, it’s what happens when snow and ice melt.

The unusually large amount of snow that fell this winter, plus freezing temperatures, could delay the opening of spring sports in Red Bank, officials said in an announcement on February 18.

Now?

“The fields are all snow-less at this point,” Councilman Ed Zipprich, who is liaison to the public works department, said. “The problem right now is the rain.”

With about a week to go until baseball and soccer seasons open, Zipprich said the borough’s six fields need to drain and public works needs to level and reseed them.

The February 18 notice alerted residents that snow and cold temperatures hampered the usual grooming efforts at the fields and recreation programs may get off to a later start.

“We were just being cautious,” Zipprich said last week.

Even if the fields do open on time, remnants of snow will likely cause issues off the field.

“While the fields will be open, parking will still be a problem,” Zipprich said. That’s because a sizable iceberg of snow dumped there by the town remains in the parking lot.

The foremost concern is getting the fields in a safe condition for spring sports to start, Recreation Director Memone Paden Crystian said.

“We’re pushing for the deadline, the beginning of March,” she said. “It’s in the hands of God.”

Sports schedules will be made available as soon as they are confirmed. More information can be found on the borough website, or by calling the rec department at 732.530.2782.