Plan to Put Lights at Shunpike Field Comes Into Focus

Plans to place lights at Shunpike Field are in the works, and government entities will likely need to pay one-third of their cost.

Borough officials discussed the matter at a Borough Council meeting Monday night. A contractor in touch with the township has said the project could cost $650,000, but borough officials said Township Administrator Thomas Ciccarone has said he may negotiate with that contractor to bring down that price.

The money for the project will come from a variety of different places, though all numbers are tentative right now and don't add up to the total cost.

The Chatham Athletic Foundation has agreed to contribute $150,000. Recreation trust funds will pay for $150,000 of the project, and borough officials said clubs such as Chatham Baseball and Chatham United will be able to join forces to give about $100,000. Other sources will contribute some additional funding.

Chatham High School Athletic Booster Club board member Jeff Fritts said the boosters will contribute about $25,000 to the effort.

The borough and township will likely each contribute about $100,000.

"I think this is fantastic," said Councilman and Shared Services Committee member John Holman. "You've got four outside entities willing to donate money."

The lights will cover four baseball fields and two multi-purpose fields on the site. One of the multi-purpose fields is currently being turfed.