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Elms Road Residents Demand Action Over Stray Baseball Damage

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/2 .. ts-demand-action-over-stray-baseball-damage.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 17:40 GMT by wjla
      Locales: Maryland, UNITED STATES

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. - A simmering dispute between residents of Elms Road and Oakdale High School is escalating as homeowners continue to bear the brunt of errant baseballs from the school's field. For months, a growing number of residents have reported property damage ranging from cracked windows and dented siding to more significant concerns about personal safety, prompting calls for immediate action from Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) and the school board.

The issue, while seemingly localized, highlights a broader tension frequently encountered when public facilities - schools, parks, and sports fields - are situated within or adjacent to residential areas. While providing vital community resources, these facilities often present logistical challenges regarding safety, noise, and property protection for those living nearby. In the case of Oakdale High School's baseball field, the proximity of homes on Elms Road has created a particularly acute problem.

"It's not just the cost of repairs, which is frustrating enough," explained Margaret Olsen, a homeowner who has lived on Elms Road for over 20 years. "It's the constant anxiety. Every time there's a game or practice, we're on edge, bracing for the inevitable. We've had several close calls, and it's only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt - either a resident or a player." Olsen isn't alone; numerous neighbors have shared similar experiences, detailing incidents where foul balls have narrowly missed pets, cars, and even people.

The increased traffic associated with baseball games and practices is adding to the neighborhood's woes. Limited street parking often forces drivers to park on lawns and obstruct driveways, further exacerbating tensions. Residents also express concerns about speeding cars and a general lack of pedestrian safety, especially when games coincide with school dismissal times.

FCPS and Oakdale High School acknowledge the validity of these concerns. School spokesperson, David Miller, stated, "We are taking this matter very seriously. The safety and well-being of our students and the surrounding community are paramount. We've been conducting assessments of the field and the surrounding area to identify potential mitigation strategies."

Currently, the leading proposed solution is the installation of a protective barrier - a high-netting system or a combination of netting and strategically placed landscaping - between the baseball field and the homes on Elms Road. However, the implementation of such a barrier is not without its own set of challenges. Costs, aesthetics, and potential impact on the baseball program are all factors under consideration. Some residents suggest a full enclosure of the field, similar to batting cages, would be the most effective, although also the most expensive.

"A simple net isn't enough," argues Robert Jenkins, another Elms Road resident. "The balls are hit with significant force. It needs to be a robust structure that can reliably contain them. And it needs to be high enough to account for the trajectory of the balls."

Beyond the physical barrier, residents are also requesting improved communication from the school regarding game and practice schedules. A publicly accessible calendar would allow homeowners to prepare and take extra precautions when activity on the field is expected to be high. Some have even suggested establishing a dedicated line for reporting incidents and receiving timely updates.

The Frederick County School Board is scheduled to discuss the Oakdale High School baseball field issue at its upcoming meeting on March 5th. The board is expected to review the findings of the school's assessment and consider potential funding options for implementing a solution. Several members have already indicated a willingness to prioritize the matter, recognizing the urgency of the situation.

This situation isn't unique to Oakdale High School. Similar disputes arise across the country as communities grapple with balancing recreational opportunities with the safety and comfort of residents. The resolution of this particular case could serve as a model for other schools and municipalities facing similar challenges. The board's decision is keenly awaited, not only by the homeowners of Elms Road but also by those who champion responsible community planning and a commitment to protecting the well-being of all residents.