Residents pressure council on Swarthmore College’s Cunningham Field proposal, raising turf and noise concerns

During public comment at the July 6 Swarthmore Borough Council meeting, several residents urged the council to take a firm position against Swarthmore College’s proposed installation of artificial turf and against adding stadium lights and amplified sound at Cunningham Field.

Allison Vanneker asked each council member to state whether they support stadium lighting and amplified sound and to explain their positions. Barbara Treving argued that major sports leagues and unions favor natural grass for health reasons and claimed artificial turf fields contain "forever chemicals" and pose heat‑related and airborne micro‑particle risks; she urged council to uphold existing zoning protections and "vote a resounding no." Joan Urban offered to arrange pro‑bono testimony from independent scientists, naming several experts with environmental and public‑health credentials who she said could address turf‑related risks.

Speakers repeatedly framed their concerns as a matter of public health, local zoning integrity, and precedent for other communities. Council did not take a formal position during the July 6 meeting; the topic was discussed in public comment and could be placed on a future agenda where council and staff would have an opportunity to review evidence and hear expert testimony.