Township Committee Supports Chatham Athletic Foundation Brick Campaign

The Chatham Athletic Foundation has that will go toward the installation of lights at Shunpike Field in the township. Its plan to do so has been in the works for some time, but it had never presented that plan to a governing body.

On Thursday, it did just that. Foundation members stood in front of the Chatham Township Committee to discuss how they will raise the money.

The nonprofit—which raises money for field projects within the municipality—is conducting a "buy a brick" campaign, which will allow people to contribute money to the cause in exchange for their name being placed on a brick that will be laid in a new courtyard at the field complex.

The courtyard will be adjacent to a walkway at the entrance to the fields. It will have a central area, which will feature a statue (donated by The Farm in the township). It will also feature benches and picnic tables.

It will be 1,800 square feet—roughly the size of a basketball court, according to Vicki Anello, who gave the presentation to the committee.

A 4 x 8 brick will cost $150, while an 8 x 8 version will cost $300. Logos—such as cougar paws—will also be available to be placed on the bricks.

Committee members said they supported the plan.

"This is something that's consistent with things that have been done in Chatham before," Deputy Mayor Kevin Tubbs said.

Mayor Nicole Hagner said photos of the courtyard make it look like it will be a nice place.

"Like everything else they do, it's absolutely beautiful," she said.

The Library of the Chathams held a similar campaign when it was undergoing a renovation.

The foundation has placed posters around town to clue people in on the campaign. It will send out a brick campaign letter in the fall.

It has raised money for a separate construction project at the field, which involves one of the fields being turfed.