As champions for the future of our youth and the vitality of our community in the City of Sunnyvale, we are deeply concerned about the City's consideration of the prohibition of the installation of synthetic turf to be considered on August 27, 2024 at the regular city council meeting. 

Sports like soccer, baseball, softball, flag football, ultimate frisbee, cricket, lacrosse, and countless other grass surface activities would be impacted significantly. This community is already wanting for more fields and grass surfaces to utilize. Banning new installation of synthetic turf would restrict an already exceedingly scarce supply of youth sports fields.

Synthetic turf plays a crucial role in the availability of youth sports fields in our community. The proposed ban would directly and negatively impact the future of youth sports in the City of Sunnyvale. Natural grass fields (if they are consistently maintained) can only support 30-50% of playing hours compared to synthetic turf. Most Sunnyvale fields are closed from November 1st through March 1st every year. Synthetic turf provides a reliable and durable surface for various sports and activities, regardless of weather conditions - a critical aspect that can't be underrated in our area where annual usage of sports fields is astronomically high.

There is a common misconception that synthetic turf increases injury and health risks for youth participants. These claims are not supported in evidence. Poor maintenance, sprinkler heads, and gopher holes on natural grass fields bring about significantly more injuries than synthetic turf fields at the recreational level. Furthermore, the lack of availability for outdoor exercise would add to the childhood obesity epidemic. Over 20% of children between the ages of six to nineteen years old suffer from obesity, removing accessibility of outdoor exercise for children would add to these startling statistics throughout our community.

We must consider how this proposal disrupts not just the sporting landscape, but also its impact on youth development. Sports provides a platform for our youth to lead healthy lives, learn teamwork, and develop leadership skills. By preventing the installation of synthetic turf, we are depriving our youth of these integral life experiences.

Synthetic turf surfaces are known to use up to 50% less water than natural grass, thereby contributing to water conservation efforts in our drought-prone county (source: Synthetic Turf Council). Water savings total about 1.2 million gallons per year, the impact this proposal would have on our water supply cannot be overstated.

It's evident that any ban overlooks the robust benefits synthetic turf brings to our city's environmental sustainability plans and youth development initiatives. We appeal to the Sunnyvale City Council to consider this proposal and urge fellow community members to join us in this cause to preserve the future of access to youth and adult sports. Please sign this petition today and express your support on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 7:00PM during the City of Sunnyvale Council Meeting.

Please  sign this petition in support of synthetic turf in City off Sunnyvale parks.