Mayor Chuck Cahn on Wednesday announced a joint effort between the Township and the Cherry Hill Board of Education to install new multi-sport turf fields at Cherry Hill High Schools East and West.
The Board of Education approved a letter of intent supporting Phase 1 of the project on Tuesday night.
The project would create new turf facilities at each high school for use by the schools’ Football, Soccer, Lacrosse and Field Hockey programs. Plans also include track and field improvements at both schools. The facilities would be open for use by the Township and the public, when not in use by the District.
“The Township and Board of Education have been working together for months to identify ways to improve our schools’ athletic facilities and address the concerns of both parents and students,” Mayor Cahn said. “My administration remains committed to partnering with the District to ensure our student-athletes have access to first-rate, competitive facilities that are well maintained and safe for play.”
Turf fields provide numerous advantages to natural grass fields, including enhanced safety, lower annual maintenance costs, more competitive play and increased playability.
The terms of the agreement for Phase 1 of the project include turf installation, track and field improvements, necessary drainage, netting and D-zones.
“We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate on this project with the Township,” said Cherry Hill Board of Education President Carol Matlack. “Over the next several weeks, we will continue working with the Township on the Shared Service Agreement, making sure all questions and concerns regarding the project are addressed as we move forward.”
Future improvements being considered for a possible second phase of the project include lighting, the installation of new bleachers, the construction of a field house at East, and a new parking lot and parking lot lighting at West.
“Working with the Board of Education to make these much-needed improvements now will provide a direct benefit to our students, and will prove to be a positive investment not just for the Cherry Hill School District, but for our entire community,” Mayor Cahn said.
Construction is currently expected to begin in spring 2016, with an anticipated completion date in the fall of 2016.