Millburn Township and the Board of Education (BOE) have jointly proposed a multi-million-dollar project to convert two athletic fields at Millburn High School with artificial turf. Many residents support expanded field access. So do we.

However, before committing millions of public dollars, we believe the decision should be based on a comprehensive and transparent comparison of all viable options. We suggest that the Township Committee and BOE pause any approvals and, instead, direct efforts to conduct and publicly provide a full side-by-side evaluation of artificial turf, engineered natural grass, and potential hybrid systems for these athletic fields.  The side-by-side comparison should include a full analysis of:

1. Total Costs - Full life cycle costs re: installation, maintenance, replacement, disposal 
2. Environmental & Public Health Impacts - PFAS, microplastics, heat, runoff, flooding
3. Athletic Safety Impacts - Athletic injury comparisons from surface type

We are residents, coaches, parents, and athletes who urge proper due diligence to make the most informed choice for our community with respect to the artificial turf proposal. This petition is not anti-sports. It is pro-transparency, pro-fiscal responsibility, and pro-long-term stewardship. 

Please sign this petition to support complete diligence before final approval.

Background Information:

Millburn Township and BOE have posted some materials including a presentation and a July 2024 Feasibility Report to support the Artificial Turf proposal which is expected to run over $7.5m in upfront installation costs. These materials address engineering and construction feasibility for synthetic conversion but do not provide a comparative evaluation of various options i.e. Artificial turf vs. engineered natural grass vs. potential hybrid systems.

https://nj-millburntownship.civicplus.com/821/Proposed-HS-Field-Project

About Millburn for Climate Action:

Please visit this link to learn more about Millburn for Climate Action and its position on the Millburn High School Artificial Turf proposal:

https://www.millburnforclimateaction.com/post/a-community-call-for-a-fully-informed-decision-on-the-mhs-fields-project