Farmington has closed the grandstand and the sidewalk in front of it at Hippach Field after inspectors discovered severe rot in a key roof support beam.
The issue surfaced during an inspection of the structure’s brick columns, when contractors noticed signs of deterioration in one of the main wooden beams. A follow-up inspection found the 16-foot support had extensive internal rot, leaving only about three inches of sound wood, creating a safety risk.
Engineers determined both primary support beams had been repaired in the past and should now be replaced with steel beams. The project will also require new concrete foundations.
Town officials are working on a structural design and will seek cost estimates once plans are complete. Local contractors have offered assistance, including donated labor, and if funding and materials are available, repairs could be finished in about four weeks.
The closure will not disrupt baseball programs, though spectators will not be able to use the grandstand until the repairs are complete.
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