Synthetic turf has become a popular alternative to natural grass in sports fields, playgrounds, and residential lawns due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. Recent trends show an increase in the use of artificial turf in urban areas to combat water scarcity and reduce the carbon footprint associated with lawn maintenance.
Key issues and themes in petitions related to synthetic turf include concerns about the environmental impact of artificial grass, especially regarding the use of chemicals and disposal at the end of its lifespan. One petition with thousands of signatures calls for the implementation of safer, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic turf in public spaces. Another petition highlights the health risks associated with artificial turf, urging for stricter regulations to protect individuals, especially children, from harmful exposure to toxic materials.
Join the movement to advocate for sustainable and safe alternatives to synthetic turf. Your support can drive positive change and promote healthier communities for future generations.
3 supporters are talking about petitions related to Synthetic Turf!
I have lived in the neighborhood for 20 years. Every weekend and most evenings after school, the Franklin field is filled with children and parents. It is a place where you can kick a ball at one end and do cartwheels on the other. There are always multiple activities at once. Douglas Park, the only neighborhood park, has a playground, a skateboard area, picnic tables and a duck pond. All are lovely (and being upgraded) but there is no real open green space to run around.
The new plans leave only a small, U10 sized soccer field of artificial grass. It will be a huge loss for this neighborhood if the Franklin yard is eliminated. We all choose to reside in Santa Monica because of the natural beauty. The City spends millions of dollars planting trees on every street. And now we are turning away from that because artificial fields are cheaper and easier to maintain? This makes no sense. There is a huge artificial soccer field at Lincoln (a few blocks away) where soccer is played every day. And at Samo. And Airport Park. The list goes on. Don't take away the only green space in our neighborhood.
Hello, board members: Please drop the notion of using artificial turf instead of natural grass at all schools in the SMMUSD. As a school nurse (veteran of SMMUSD!) I have also worked at a non-district local elementary school which subscribed to the allegedly cheaper artificial turf. The short-term result at that school was painful and infection-prone injuries to students who played and fell on the field. The harm to the environment from the artificial turf is ithe other strong deterrent to its use in our school district. Please be good citizens and child-supporters. Do not cut financial corners by resorting to faulty solutions. Support school health and safety by retaining nature's grass on lawns and playing fields.
Katharine (Kit) Dreyfuss
Well maintained grass fields are very enjoyable for children and adults. Turf is the hotter, and tracking in plastic bits stuck to clothing are such a nuisance. Turf fields are also firmer, leading to more injuries (speaking from my experience playing on turf and grass fields for many years). Spend the money on routine field maintenance, and everyone will be happy! Fill the holes, level the field, reseed each year and as needed, fertilize regularly, and irrigate properly. Yes, grass maintenance costs money, but turf fields are expensive and considerably worse for enjoyment. Consider donations from the community if it helps cover the difference in cost.