Marin Voice: San Rafael should reject plan for artificial turf at Pickleweed Park

PlasticFreeMarin is a local organization committed to reducing single-use plastics and raising awareness about their environmental and health hazards. Along with Yard Smart Marin, Beyond Pesticides and Moms Advocating Sustainability, we have taken a strong stance against the installation of artificial turf at Pickleweed Park in San Rafael and elsewhere in Marin County.

We are urging San Rafael officials to reconsider their approval of the Pickleweed renovation plan, which includes adding an all-weather artificial turf field for sports activities.

While the allure of an all-weather playing surface may seem appealing, the supposed benefits of artificial turf are significantly overshadowed by what many consider to be severe health risks to players and the devastating environmental consequences.

As our planet continues to heat up, we face more extreme weather conditions, including scorching temperatures in the spring and summer, and intense wind and rain storms in the winter. Long periods of heat can make artificial turf unsafe for athletes, making playing time on the field less reliable and potentially more dangerous.

As global temperatures rise, the practicality and safety of playing on artificial turf are increasingly called into question. July was California’s hottest month on record, underscoring the urgent need to reevaluate the implications of synthetic surfaces in our warming world.

Artificial turf fields can become dangerously hot during warm weather, with surface temperatures soaring 40 to 70 degrees higher than natural grass. On a 100-degree day, this could lead to surface temperatures of up to 170 degrees, creating hazardous conditions for players and exacerbating the urban heat island effect. The excessive heat can also damage surrounding trees and wildlife, turning the area beneath the turf into an ecological dead zone.

Although artificial turf may seem cost-effective at first glance, hidden costs — such as water for cooling and cleaning, environmental damage and the ongoing need for chemical treatments – ultimately make it a more expensive and less sustainable option than natural grass.

Organically managed natural grass fields offer a safer, more sustainable option that can be adapted and maintained to withstand many of these challenges, providing adequate and reliable playing time without sacrificing player safety or environmental integrity.

Organic and sustainable land care practices can create a resilient and healthy playing surface without the need for harmful chemicals. Investing in natural grass is not just a choice but a commitment to the long-term wellbeing of the community and the environment.

Another significant concern about artificial turf is the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in artificial turf. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down in the environment and some research has linked it to various health issues, including cancer. Even with natural infill materials like cork or coconut, the plastic blades and backing of artificial turf still contain these toxic substances, posing a serious threat to human health and wildlife.

Additionally, as artificial turf degrades over time, microplastics are released into the air and waterways, which could pose a severe threat to aquatic life and potentially lead to it being part of the human food chain. Although the Pickleweed design includes bioretention cells, they will not fully prevent runoff from the athletic field into the bay.

The increased risk of infections like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) due to turf abrasions is yet another concern. To combat this risk, artificial turf fields require frequent cleaning with water and chemical treatments, which can leach into groundwater and the surrounding environment, further contaminating the ecosystem.

Finally, there is the issue of artificial turf disposal. These fields typically need to be replaced every eight years, generating significant amounts of plastic waste that often ends up in landfills. Recycling options for artificial turf are limited and often amount to “greenwashing,” leading to incineration or illegal dumping.

We urge the San Rafael City Council to reconsider its decision and prioritize natural grass over artificial turf. This choice would not only safeguard the health of the community and the environment but also set a positive example of sustainable and responsible land management. By making this change, San Rafael has the opportunity to address the needs of its community while championing environmental stewardship.

Jinesse Reynolds is co-chair of PlasticFreeMarin. Barbara Bogard is the organization’s founder.