FOD Walking Tour Scheduled for Sunday

A group of residents will gather Sunday afternoon for a walking tour of the football fields at and Their goal: to decide for themselves the real state of the schools' fields, track ovals and fences—and how much, if any, refurbishment truly is needed.

The exercise is being launched as part of the town's consideration of the controversial Fields of Dreams proposal. 

If approved, artificial turf fields would replace the grass football fields.The proposal also calls for modern lighting, new fencing and new track ovals for both schools. The project would be funded through the use of open space monies.  

Many FOD proponents argue that the plan is necessary because the football fields at Parsippany's two high schools are unsafe and unplayable.  On the other side of the equation, Superintendent of Schools LeRoy Seitz has said that the fields are not dangerous for students. And others hold opinions somwhere in between.

Robert Crawford, who lives near the Parsippany High football field, is one of the organizers of the walking tour.

The goal of the activity, Crawford said, is to allow interested residents to see for themselves what the conditions of the fields fences and tracks truly are.

He said he hopes the walk will generate a lot of interest and attract a lot of residsents.

"Hopefully a couple of BOE members will be able to join the tour," said Crawford, who served seven years on the school board.

Rank and file citiizens are the true focus, however, he said.

"Anyone, regardless of their take on the FOD proposal, is welcome to join the walk," Crawford told Patch. "Perhaps some constructive and creative dialogue can occur while the walk is underway."

Walkers are set to gather at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in front of the Parsippany High hometown bleachers.