A Community Call for a Fully Informed Decision on the MHS Fields Project

Millburn Township and the Board of Education have proposed a project to convert two athletic fields at Millburn High School to artificial turf. Many residents support expanded field access — and so does Millburn for Climate Action group whose members include Millburn student-athletes, coaches, and parents.

However, before committing millions of public dollars, we believe this decision should be based on a complete and transparent comparison of all viable options. The Township and BOE have posted a presentation and a July 2024 Feasibility Report supporting the proposal, with expected upfront installation costs exceeding $7.5 million. These documents address engineering feasibility for synthetic conversion but do not provide a side-by-side evaluation of alternatives such as enhanced natural grass or hybrid systems (materials available here: https://nj-millburntownship.civicplus.com/821/Proposed-HS-Field-Project)

Artificial turf is not permanent. It typically requires replacement every 8–10 years, meaning this project would likely require another multi-million-dollar expenditure within a decade. Once converted, returning to natural grass becomes costly and difficult. At the same time, environmental and public health impacts may be both immediate and long-term. Synthetic fields are largely impermeable, raising stormwater concerns in a town where flooding is already a recurring issue. PFAS components and microplastic shedding may migrate into soil and water systems, creating risks that outlast the field’s usable life.

If Millburn is investing at this scale, it presents an opportunity to pursue solutions that address multiple needs at once. Nature-based approaches — improved soil engineering, advanced drainage, native plant buffers, and modern irrigation — can enhance field durability while also managing stormwater, reducing flood pressure, and supporting local biodiversity. Athletic access and environmental resilience do not have to be competing goals. Natural and hybrid systems have tradeoffs as well — but all options deserve equal, transparent analysis before committing to a path that is expensive to reverse.

We therefore urge the Township Committee and BOE to pause approvals and commission a full public side-by-side evaluation of artificial turf, enhanced natural grass, and hybrid systems for Millburn High School and Township athletic fields. This effort is not anti-sports. It is pro-transparency, pro-fiscal responsibility, and pro-long-term stewardship. Millburn residents deserve a fully informed decision.

If you agree, please sign and support our petition: 

Petition · A Fully Informed Decision for Millburn's High School Fields - Millburn, United States · Change.org