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Residents warn college field could worsen parking, call out turf safety
Summary
Public commenters at the Swarthmore Borough Council meeting urged officials to reconsider a proposed Swarthmore College athletic project, citing loss of SEPTA parking, spectator and bus parking shortages at Cunningham Park, pickup‑time safety for schoolchildren and health concerns over engineered turf materials.
Public commenters pressed the Swarthmore Borough Council on parking and health risks tied to a proposed Swarthmore College athletic‑field project. A resident warned the plan would cut roughly 104 SEPTA parking spaces at the train station and displace drivers toward the Primos station 3.3 miles away, potentially filling town‑center and College Avenue spaces used for school pickup. The speaker said parents and shop owners would be affected by reduced parking near the school and downtown.
Other speakers voiced health and aesthetic objections to engineered turf. One resident said, “We don't mess with Mother Nature... our children just from a health basis running around on plastic carcinogenic field instead of the beautiful grass,” and described the turf as offensive to the borough’s character. Commenters also raised concerns about spectator and team‑bus parking for games at Cunningham Park. Council did not take action during public comment; the concerns were entered into the record for staff and committee follow‑up.
