We are the parents of current and former students at Lafayette Elementary in Chevy Chase, DC, and/or neighbors of the school (note: petition was broadened to include non-parent neighbors due to significant neighborhood interest, 4/19/24). We are signing this petition to make clear our concern and opposition to the plans presented by the Department of General Services on March 13, 2024 to replace the lower field at Lafayette with an artificial turf field. 

We object to the fact that DGS, DCPS, and DPR made this decision internally, without any community engagement, despite the clear requirement they do so under DC law (DC Code Section 10.171.03(h)) and their prior promises to allow for community review and input before reaching a final decision.

To install an artificial turf field at an elementary school in 2024, at a time when the health and environmental risks associated with artificial turf (including exposure to PFAS/forever chemicals, dangerously elevated temperatures, and increased severity of injuries and infections) are becoming increasingly recognized, is irresponsible and dangerous. For all of these reasons,  numerous other municipalities (including the city of Boston) and professional sports leagues are moving away from or banning artificial turf.

As parents, our kids' health and safety is always paramount.  However, we very much want them to have a well-maintained and playable field where they can enjoy recess, PE, and extracurricular sports. Luckily, recent advances in establishing and maintaining natural grass athletic fields have proven that it is possible to have high performance fields of natural grass with comparable costs for installation and maintenance. 

Important decisions about which materials are safest for our children and the environment should not take second place to convenience for our local government. We ask that DGS, DCPS, and DPR learn more about the health questions surrounding artificial turf and the possibilities of using engineered natural grass as a cost-effective alternative. We ask that they comply with DC law by informing and consulting with Lafayette parents and neighbors about this important decision for our community and our children, and that they honor previous commitments to maintain a natural grass field at Lafayette.