June 27, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Wyckoff Soccer fields to have artificial turf, lights by John Koster The Wyckoff Planning Board has approved a request that will add artificial turf and six light stanchions to the two full-sized soccer areas at Pulis Field, which belongs to the Township of Wyckoff. The recreation area also includes a smaller grass field that will remain natural and will not be lighted. A $50,000 grant from Bergen County’s open space funds will cover part of the cost. The turf and lighting were approved after the Wyckoff Planning Board heard from a number of residents at the June 13 meeting. Most of the recreation parents were supportive, though some residents of the Spring Meadow mature living community asked for a list of conditions to be met when the stanchions are installed. The planners found only one of the seven conditions the Spring Meadow group proposed to be arguable: The residents asked that the field lights be turned off at 9 p.m., while local Wyckoff ordinances permit field illumination until 10 p.m. Wyckoff officials doubted they would compromise their own ordinance, but said they would try to cooperate with sensible precautions against disturbances. Artificial turf is extolled by proponents because it permits longer seasonal use of athletic fields, though some athletes dislike playing on the turf. Debate continues over whether the artificial turf causes more or fewer injuries to athletes. Environmentalists generally dislike artificial turf because of the lack of water retention, which contributes to erosion and runoff. The Spring Meadow contingent praised the Wyckoff Planning Board for hearing the mature-living community’s side of the case. There was general support for the artificial turf by the majority of those who spoke. While researching children’s charities, Wyckoff Brownie Troop 24 Leader Danyel Competiello came across a posting from local sixth grader Macie Sparozic. Sparozic’s nine-year-old cousin, Kendall, has leukemia, and Sparozic helps with the hospital and medication bills by selling “Kendall Rocks” bracelets for $3. Competiello took the information to her troop. After the girls watched a Make A Wish Foundation video featuring Kendall, the girls voted to donate a portion of (continued on page 19) Brownie troop helps 9-year-old