'Game On Glen Rock' Moves Into Fundraising Phase

The efforts of grassroots recreation group Game On Glen Rock to revitalize athletic facilities in the borough will look considerably different in 2012, Game On Chairman Michael Stewart told the council Monday night.

Whereas its inaugural formation in 2011 was about formulating plans to transform Lower Faber Field into a turfed multi-use sports complex , 2012 focuses on fundraising to realize that goal.

The includes two baseball diamonds sharing space with a lined field, another dedicated soccer-type with eleven field lights, an expanded parking lot beside the Recycling and Compost Center and a seating area that will be another source of revenue for the group if all goes according to plan.

The resident-led group hopes to complete the by February of 2014.

"We're looking to raise around $1 million next year," Stewart told the council in his presentation Monday night.

With an expected grant budget of $1.924 million – encompassing legal advice, professional fees, installation of the field and more –  the group chairman said Game On has already raised $135,000 with $100,000 still left in the purse.

Expanded community role

Beyond the Faber foray, the plan now also includes a plan to upkeep the field and also provide "potential recreation and youth-supported grants to other organizations in Glen Rock," Stewart said.

The grassroots group chairman said he hopes corporate sponsorships can help buoy efforts to develop a sports complex not plagued by water and drainage issues.

Those conditions on the grass field have led to loss of game time, necessitating the need for the project, organizers and officials said.

Community hesitant to donate

Though he characterized 2011 as a "great" year, Stewart said the full community hasn't completely bought into the group's mission – yet.

"We are completely comfortable with the idea that Glen Rock residents haven't 100 percent jumped on board yet," he said. "I think people want to see traction in the project, I think they want to see a significant amount of money in our coffers before they donate."

Game On is planning on also raising money through a raffle (potentially auctioning off a vacation or car, Stewart said), a "Casino Night," and a "Family Fun Day" over the summer.

Still, .

Game On has not yet achieved full non-profit status from the IRS. Stewart said he expects the IRS to make a decision in early January. (The group has, however, been backed by the Glen Rock Soccer Association as a "fiscal sponsor" to accept money and move it back to Game On, according to Stewart.)

Water concerns

There are also questions of a proposed rainwater harvesting system, which Stewart said could be used to replenish the municipal pool, wash borough vehicles or maybe even be used by residents.

The council will need to take a closer look at the retention system, Mayor John van Keuren said. Stewart – in an interview with Patch in March – has said he doesn't believe the properties on Dunham Place by Diamond Brook would see increased flood issues due to the new complex, a point the borough engineer has agreed with.

Additionally, Stewart has said, the proposed complex is unlike Ridgewood's well-publicized problems with flooding – Faber Field may get muddy and wet, but it doesn't flood like .

The impact of bright lights, a hot-button topic in Ridgewood, would be minimal, Stewart contends.

A $200,000 grant Game On is eyeing will also be a competitive fight, though Stewart said he's been told the chances of procuring the grant from the U.S. Soccer Association are good.

While Game On Glen Rock is still a ways away from breaking ground at Faber Field, it has support from the council.

"What we said in the very beginning when we looked at this project, it's not a want to keep up with the whoever – it's really a need," said Councilwoman Joan Orseck Monday night.