The Issue

We strongly oppose the Palo Alto City Council’s proposed ban on installing synthetic turf in athletic fields.

This decision would drastically limit access to playable fields for youth sports, including soccer, flag football, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, and many other activities. Palo Alto already suffers from a shortage of usable fields—banning new synthetic turf installations would exacerbate this issue and restrict opportunities for youth athletes.

Why Synthetic Turf is Essential

1. Year-Round Play for Youth Sports
 • Natural grass fields can only accommodate 30-50% of the playing hours that synthetic turf allows.
 • Palo Alto closes most natural grass fields from November to February, severely limiting available space.
 • Synthetic turf provides a durable, all-weather surface, ensuring continuous play and recreation.

2. Safety & Health Benefits
 • Claims that synthetic turf increases injuries are not supported by evidence—in fact, poorly maintained natural grass (sprinkler heads, gopher holes, uneven surfaces) poses greater risks.
 • Lack of field access contributes to childhood obesity, which affects over 20% of children aged 6-19 nationwide. Restricting outdoor sports will worsen this issue.

3. Environmental & Sustainability Impact
 • Water Conservation: Synthetic turf saves up to 1.2 million gallons of water per year compared to natural grass (Source: Synthetic Turf Council).
 • Lower Maintenance: Unlike grass fields, synthetic turf requires no pesticides, fertilizers, or mowing, reducing harmful runoff and carbon emissions.
 • Efficient Land Use: Given Palo Alto’s high field demand, maximizing playtime per field is critical.

The Bigger Picture: Youth Development & Community Well-Being
Sports provide a foundation for youth to stay active, build teamwork, and develop leadership skills. By preventing synthetic turf installations, we risk depriving children of these critical life experiences and weakening our community’s commitment to accessible, high-quality recreation.

Take Action – Sign & Share!
We urge the Palo Alto City Council to reject this proposed ban and instead pursue balanced solutions that support both environmental sustainability and youth sports access.

Sign this petition to protect the future of youth sports in Palo Alto!

Share this with friends, family, and local organizations!