The ballfields have been under construction since November — Robert Ripps got this shot in between snow storms — and unfortunately the snow storms pushed back the schedule. Originally they were set to reopen on March 2; now the date is early-April, weather permitting. (Downtown Little League opening day is scheduled for Friday, April 17, at 6p.)

They will start adding weekend work on March 14, from 7a to 3p, to make up for lost time. The current schedule indicates an early-April completion, weather permitting.

The fields were last replaced after Hurricane Sandy in early 2013, and the current artificial turf has reached the end of its useful life. The work going on now includes:

• New synthetic grass
• Larger playing surface
• Additional netting to protect seating
• New batting cages and outfield fencing
• Permeable pavers along the fields’ pedestrian path
• New water misters and water bottle filling station
• Backstop repairs

I will update with the official opening date.