Chariho committee discusses Cherry Hill Cowboys’ request to use high‑school fields; no decision

The Chariho School Committee heard a request from the Cherry Hill Cowboys — a local youth football organization — to permit several home game dates on district high‑school fields. The group sought use of the varsity stadium for a limited number of home game Sundays in the fall and offered to contribute to increased field maintenance.

Superintendent Gina Picard and the district’s director of buildings and grounds said staff had visited the site the Cowboys currently use and planned to walk the high‑school practice and varsity fields with Cowboys representatives the following day to determine whether the district could accommodate the organization’s needs. The administration raised practical concerns: the varsity stadium is natural grass, not artificial turf; the district limits varsity‑field use because of wear and tear; and the field’s maintenance and ancillary needs (parking, bathrooms, concessions, field leveling) would require planning and potentially additional resources.

Cowboys board members and dozens of supporters attended the meeting; several town councilors and community members spoke in favor of a solution that would allow the youth organization to play on district property. Supporters emphasized the club’s large participation (roughly 200 participants across ages) and said most families come from Chariho towns. The committee stressed that any use beyond occasional practice dates would require a plan for parking, restroom access and field maintenance; the administration said it would return to the committee if the walk‑through indicated the varsity bowl could support the demand or if a different district field was suitable.

No vote was taken; the committee asked staff to continue discussions with Cowboys leaders and to return with a recommendation if a feasible plan — including identified funding or maintenance commitments — emerges.