Updated 10:30 a.m.
Matoaka Elementary School’s blacktop shows signs of “sinkage,” according to a robocall to parents Monday afternoon.
Principal Andy Jacobs issued the robocall to parents, informing them one of the blacktop surfaces where students play during recess is “experiencing some sinkage.”
“We are not referring to it as a sinkhole yet,” Jacobs said in the call.
School officials cordoned off the sinkage as soon as it was brought to their attention, Williamsburg-James City County spokesperson Betsy Overkamp-Smith said in an email. Orange fencing is being put around the area today to keep the students away from the sinkage until it is fixed.
“Please rest assured we have taken all precautions to keep students away from the area and keep our playground safe and secure for our students,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs then told parents he could be contacted directly with questions and said he would be updating the school community as he receives more information.
James City County engineers are working with the WJCC building services department to inspect the affected area, he said. The work may also include excavation of the playground to pinpoint the problem.
WJCC asked the county to check whether a nearby fire hydrant showed signs of leakage, which it did not.
A contractor will begin work today on repairing the sinkage.
