$16M athletic complex opens in Camden (slideshow)

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A $16 million athletic complex opened May 5 in Camden, set to welcome Rutgers-Camden athletics, Camden City youth sports and daily community use.

“This project will be transformative to the waterfront and will be an asset for the children of Camden. The impact of this park will be felt for generations to come in the city and is now one of the premiere complexes in the region,” said Commissioner Jeff Nash, who serves as the liaison to the Parks Department.

Developing the Camden Athletic Complex included the demolition of the former Campbell’s Field and the construction of a turf baseball field and multipurpose field; an eight-lane track; pole vault and steeple chase; and a clubhouse housing locker rooms, bathrooms and training rooms.

The complex also has 26 new parking spaces with bike racks, new sports lighting and enhanced storm water management.

“This project signifies an investment in our neighborhoods and ultimately a tangible investment in the quality of life for everyone living in Camden,” said Camden City Mayor Victor Carstarphen.

“It is an outstanding accomplishment for the city to have a first-class athletic complex located right here on our waterfront. We are also fortunate to have this asset under the management of two community conscious partners in Rutgers University-Camden and the county commissioners,” Carstarphen said. “The Camden Athletic Complex is yet another commitment by my administration and our partners to support youth sports and foster an environment where we expand community health and wellness programming.”

In addition to use by Rutgers-Camden and the public, the facility will host collaborative health sciences, research and education programs.

“The extraordinary investment in these ‘third places’ — where our community gathers — is providing positive change to the overall landscape for residents and giving our children equity in facilities with their counterparts outside the city,” said Dana Redd, CEO of the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden board of governors and former Mayor of Camden City.

The project was funded by the Camden County Board of Commissioners, the Joint Board and Rutgers-Camden University and Rutgers-Camden.