Turf-Field Fundraising Reaches Goal

The Haddonfield Turf Field Committee held a gala Saturday to celebrate exceeding its $500,000 fundraising goal. The money will help pay for the installation of two, artificial-turf athletic fields at the high school.

The event was held at Mercedes-Benz of Cherry Hill and included a tailgate buffet and a live band. Tickets were $75 each.

The turf-field group has reportedly raised more than $600,000 so far. The money is part of an estimated cost of just over $1 million to turf the high-school football stadium and an adjacent field owned by the borough.

The borough and school board have agreed to pay half the cost if the turf committee reached its fundraising goal.

The turf-field effort could reduce a $16.8 million, Jan. 22 BOE bond referendum to purchase and develop the 19-acre Bancroft property adjacent to the high school on Kings Highway East. The referendum includes $800,000 to turf the high-school stadium field. It also includes an additional $1 million to construct a new artificial-turf athletic field, which is not included in the turf-field committee's goals.

The school board will hold a special meeting on Nov. 27 to determine the final language for the referendum. The turf-field element has drawn criticism from some residents who would otherwise support the Bancroft public purchase.