Letters to the Editor: Turf Field Debate

WANTED:  Qualified Turf Science Manager

At a recent meeting about the “Bancroft Deal,” I asked the BOE and commissioners to clarify a few things. I asked if the BOE and borough share services? Yes. I asked if any B & G or PW staff members hold a turf grass degree? No, but Tish said “they take classes.” I asked if anyone knew such a position exists—that there is a BS degree in turf grass science and management*? Their answer: “No.”   

Whether or not we install artificial turf, perhaps the answer is to add an expert in turf management to the budget (this position would be shared between the BOE and town)—this person would have the knowledge and expertise needed for caring for artificial and live turf (the athletic fields), as well as landscape (parks/public spaces in town). Since BOE/town has shared services, everyone would benefit from this—for a small price tag. Who would disagree that an expert turf manager would improve our existing fields, our public parks and spaces, and take pressure off of our current staff trying to keep up with the fields and parks?

Why not give it a try? Summer internships are required for degree* candidates.

Artificial turf or real turf—what are we waiting for? Take action to take care now!

*This is a brief description of Purdue University’s Department of Agronomy Turfgrass Science and Management: “Upon completion of a turf degree, a student is prepared to manage and provide technical information for golf courses, home and commercial lawns, athletic fields, parks, recreation areas, sod farms, and more. The use of current recreational facilities (golf, sports, parks, etc.) and the need for new recreational facilities is very high, thus creating a demand for professional turf grass managers with a college education in turfgrass science.” (www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/student-careers)

Submitted by: Heather Vaughn

Take the Turf out of Bancroft Deal

We enthusiastically applaud the recently announced plan to purchase the Bancroft site. From the outset of the community conversation seven years ago, there has been strong sentiment that the Bancroft parcel should be for public use. With the leadership of the Board of Education, Haddonfield residents have now been presented with a forward-looking plan for acquiring Bancroft to create more passive and active recreation space, relieve parking issues, comply with the COAH obligations and bank land for future needs including the growth of our schools while preserving historic structures. Although the specifics need to be determined, this is a great start.

At the joint BOE-Commissioner’s meeting on July 18, the multistep approval process was laid out clearly, Mr. Weinstein explained how Haddonfield voters would determine whether the purchase moves forward, and experts were on-hand to answer residents’ questions. 

The cost will be a deciding factor for most of us. As two of the volunteers who worked to obtain the Green Acres grants awarded to the Borough ($950,000) and for the passage of the Open Space Trust Fund (over $567,000 as of 12/31/11), we are optimistic that with an organized effort, the borough and district will be able to increase the outside sources of support that will significantly reduce the cost. Notably, Camden County was previously awarded a Green Acres grant of $850,000 to help acquire a portion of Bancroft and the county Open Space Trust Fund has expressed ongoing interest in contributing tot his purchase. To further reduce the costs, we are convinced that the BOE should reconsider including artificial turf on two fields as part of the plan. The “turf” issue is a very divisive one and the BOE should remove this element because it is expensive and non-essential at this time. First things first—let’s make this once-in-a-generation opportunity as affordable as possible.

Submitted by: Kim Custer, Jamie Horwitz-Fram

Do you have an opinion to share? Email your letter to the editor to Bill Duhart, bill.duhart@patch.com.