History of the Chatham Athletic Foundation

The Chatham Athletic Foundation (CAF) was created in 2005 by a group of local parents to promote youth athletics and to increase safety in athletics through public education programs. Much of the initial work will focus on reducing the local governments’ burden of improving and maintaining athletic fields within Chatham Borough and Township and/or the Chatham School District.

Chatham is in the midst of a field crisis that is severely impacting the quality of its recreation programs. There are 14 playing fields in Chatham Township and Borough accommodating 4,051 youth participants. During the past 6 years the number of participants has increased 43% while the number of fields has stayed the same. These fields now have inadequate capacity which limits the sports opportunities available to our children. Deterioration of the fields is accelerating due to overuse, further reducing capacity and exacerbating the problem.

The Township and Borough of Chatham have entered into an inter-local agreement to jointly fund the upgrade of athletic fields in both municipalities in conjunction with funding from CAF. In April 2006, the Chatham Borough Council passed a resolution authorizing the refurbishment of Lum Avenue Field using artificial turf. The Lum Avenue Field is the least utilized field in both the towns making it the best first project to positively affect the greatest number of children. Resurfacing will significantly expand its capacity as well as relieve overuse of other fields. Total project cost is estimated at $1.1 million. CAF has committed to provide one-third of the funding to resurface the field. In addition, as its second major project, CAF has committed to provide one-third of the funding to refurbish a field in the Township using artificial turf.

CAF plans to award grants to organizations that are exempt from taxation under section 501 (c) 3 including local schools and other nonprofit organizations that promote or enhance youth athletics. CAF will also host lectures for coaches, parents and the general public, at no charge, to educate and enhance the public's knowledge regarding sports related injuries and other issues.

The original founders of the Chatham Athletic Foundation are Adam Acone, Bob Budlow, Richard Connors, Tom Fox, Tony Lind, James Lonergan, Russell Pierce, Robert Raiola, Steve Reed, Todd Rogers, Karl Schmidt, and Thomas Winter. This group comprises the existing Board of Trustees.

CAF has an independent advisory board comprised of 18 Chatham community members, including elected officials, the Recreation Directors of the Borough and Township, and coaches of several sports.

CAF is not affiliated with any specific sports program in town nor is it involved in any aspect of managing recreational or other programs. CAF’s goal is to raise funds to enhance the athletic experience for children in all programs through more and better facilities and education.

CAF is a 501(c) 3 tax exempt organization. Donations made to CAF are tax deductible.

© 2008 Chatham Athletic Foundation

Email: theboard@chathamathleticfoundation.org