Preserving Croft Farm’s historic value while retaining the location as a mainstay for entertainment has been a priority for Cherry Hill Township.
Throughout 2013, the farm underwent renovations that will keep it as a place for theater, music and other artistic performances for many years down the road.
The township’s recreation department operates the historic farm, using it for a variety of artistic events. The tough part about that, however, has been maintaining the buildings so they can host state-of-the-art events.
“The biggest piece of the renovations was totally re-orienting the way the arts center was arranged,” Director of Communications for Cherry Hill Bridget Palmer said.
The theater itself was re-arranged so it could have a higher capacity and be more handicap-friendly. Palmer said the first concert held after the changes saw approximately 250 to 275 people attend.
“The goal was expanding the number of people we can accommodate,” Palmer said.
The arts center is put to good use by the township. Cherry Hill hosts many large events and shows at the complex, including Harvest Festival just a few weeks ago.
Palmer emphasized that some people don’t realize the scope of all the activity that is done at the location. She said the center often is used seven days a week, with classes taking place during the weekdays.
“The vast majority of our arts and cultural programming is at Croft,” she said. “Everything from classes during the day to our concerts.”
The activities go far beyond the arts center and buildings. Croft Farm features numerous walking trails through the woods that are readily used by residents on a daily basis.
Palmer stated that while the township knows that thousands use the facilities for shows and classes on an annual basis, it does not include the many people walking the trails.
Croft Farm’s recent renovations were mostly funded by two grants received by the township from Camden County. One grant was for historical preservation, while the other was for recreation. The two grants totaled $50,000.
Just two weeks ago, the county granted the farm a $25,000 Historic Preservation Grant to restore outbuildings, a spring house, smoke house, carriage house and ice house.
“The county has been very generous in providing us with historical preservation and recreational grants,” Palmer said.
By funding a lot of the projects and renovations through grants, the township is able to keep the cost of events and programs down.
“It’s really a great facility,” Palmer said. “We’re very fortunate that we have a first-rate arts center in our township.”
Croft Farm will remain the epicenter of the township’s shows and theater through the winter. The theater just held a Disney Classic concert last week and will be hosting a Devil Wears Prada and Fashion Show on Nov. 22.
