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Candidates split on artificial turf for Haddon Township athletic fields
Summary
At a candidate forum, contenders debated the district's consideration of artificial turf: some emphasized field‑use needs and longevity, others raised health and environmental concerns and urged continued study by a district committee.
Residents at the forum raised health concerns about installing artificial turf on district athletic fields. Candidates offered differing answers on whether the district should proceed and how to weigh safety, cost and community access.
David Ritchie, a candidate and longtime educator, said turf increases access and shared usability: “Let's talk about what best surface we can put in, but the turf needed to be in here,” he said, adding he is not "too concerned" about cancer claims tied to turf. John warned about field overuse and environmental effects near a nearby creek and said the district should consider alternatives and rest cycles for fields. Chris Cook said he is concerned about plastics and possible negative health effects and supports the work of the district group studying options, stating he does not know if there is a truly safe way to do it.
Jim Lex, who described prior experience with long‑standing turf in town, said the current turf is nearly 20 years old and argued the community needs the field space that turf provides. Candidates said they support continuing the district’s study group to identify the safest option and urged careful review of environmental impacts and maintenance plans.
No candidate announced a binding position to unilaterally adopt or reject turf at the forum; they emphasized further study and community input before decisions by the board.
