Staff photo by Tim Barber /
New construction continues at Camp Jordan where city officials have stopped play on all fields due possible dangerous conditions for play.Weather that brought record-setting rains to the Chattanooga area in recent months has caused construction delays at Camp Jordan.
In December, the East Ridge City Council accepted two bids for a $2.3 million project aimed at improving the complex's image and visitor experience. Work is expected to include renovations to 13 baseball and softball fields, concession and restroom upgrades, among other changes.
That same month, the area saw some of its wettest weather in 10 years. Then, in February, heavy rains over 10 days dumped more than 10 inches across the area.
Staff photo by Tim Barber /
New construction continues at Camp Jordan where city officials have stopped play on all fields due possible dangerous conditions for play.Now city officials say the work, which was expected to be finished by May 1, has fallen behind, leaving the normally busy ballfields empty.
In a statement Monday, the city apologized for the delay but said it's necessary in the interest of public safety. Work on the concession and restroom areas will continue while the fields dry out, the news release states.
Staff photo by Tim Barber /
New construction continues at Camp Jordan where city officials have stopped play on all fields due possible dangerous conditions for play."While the setbacks are frustrating for everyone eager to play on the newly renovated fields, the City of East Ridge wants to provide the best fields and conditions possible for its community and visitors coming to the ballpark before they open the baseball/softball fields to the public," said Adam Wilson, director of parks and recreation, in a statement.
Camp Jordan boasts an annual economic sales impact of more than $3 million and an income impact of more than $1.6 million, according to a news release. It hosts baseball, softball and soccer teams from across the region and nation on 275 acres off Interstate 75.
In December, Wilson said the upgrades would "make people feel a little bit more welcome."
Teams who have registered to use the fields this year will be given a credit for the spring 2020 season, the release states.