We, the undersigned, are residents and taxpayers of Highland Park, Illinois.

We urge the Park District of Highland Park to use only natural lawn care practices, and not use pesticides/herbicides on playing fields and other areas on which our children play.

Scientific studies have linked lawn chemicals with childhood cancer; asthma; neurological, behavioral, and immune system disorders; endocrine disruption; and reproductive impairment, among others.

We ask that the PDHP adhere to The Precautionary Principle, which states that “When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.”

We encourage the PDHP to employ an expert in the area of natural lawn care to assist staff in the development and implementation of a successful natural turf management program.

Natural lawn care is safer for our children and we understand that it requires some weed tolerance.