Stokes Hill Marker Unveiling Set for Sept. 13

A marker for a beloved Moorestown sledding hill that was saved through the efforts of local school children will be unveiled next month.

The marker at Stokes Hill will be unveiled during a public ceremony at the hill, 240 East Main Street in Moorestown, on Sunday, Sept. 13, 3 p.m.

“For decades, people have loved to sled at Stokes Hill, named for an early owner. The privately owned hill was used by the public for years by virtue of an arrangement between the landowner and the Township,” Save The Environment of Moorestown (STEM) Member Margo Foster said.

In 1991, Jeffrey Stork announced he intended to sell the land for development. He had purchased it in 1986 for $465,000.

“Fierce public outcry prompted Carol Mastran, local artist and STEM member, to spearhead a ‘Save Stokes Hill’ campaign,” Foster said. “Contributors to the cause donated thousands of dollars to help pay for the purchase of the property. She led the children of Moorestown to rally strong community support with their lively posters of sledders on the hill.”

Voters passed the first non-binding Open Space Referendum that backed the use of Township funds to preserve open space the following year, and the Township used those funds to buy the land from Stork for $525,000. A grant covered $500,000 of that purchase.

Since then, residents have continued to make use the 8.3 acres of land anytime it snows.

The attached image is a Patch file photo.