Should artificial turf be banned? Sunnyvale supporters and opponents speak out as city discusses

The youth sports community is voicing its concerns over a proposed ban on synthetic turf for athletic fields in Sunnyvale.

Advocates for synthetic turf are eager to ensure their opinions are taken into account.

On Tuesday night, the Sunnyvale City Council debated the possibility of banning artificial turf from city fields.

Several youth sports organizations are asking why the push for a ban is happening so quickly.

Sandra Todd from the Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club weighs in on the matter.

The debate between natural grass and artificial turf continues to stir in Bay Area communities.

Sandra Todd raised concerns about the lack of outreach to field renters who provide services on behalf of Sunnyvale residents. “We have so many questions. Why wasn't there any communication with those of us who use these fields?” Todd asked.

Little league, softball, and rugby organizations have collectively addressed the City Council, arguing that synthetic turf fields offer significant benefits. 

Currently, Fair Oaks is the only public park in the city with synthetic fields. Todd highlighted the advantages of artificial turf: “The access is far greater; you can use an artificial turf field 3-4 times more frequently than a grass field because it doesn’t get damaged.”

Advocates for synthetic turf emphasize its year-round usability, contrasting it with the city’s policy of closing grass fields from December 1 to March 1. Todd urges the city to review up-to-date data on the benefits and drawbacks of both options. “We need to consider recent studies, not just data from 2019 but from 2022,” she said.

Cortney Jansen, Co-founder of Community for Natural Play Surfaces, supports the ban on synthetic turf. Jansen conducted a temperature comparison on a recent hot day, finding that while natural grass was around 80 degrees, the turf reached between 130 and 140 degrees. “I’d like to see better-maintained natural grass fields,” Jansen said, advocating for appropriate rental fees and a sustainable grass management program.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors decided to delay their decision on artificial turf. Opponents of the ban in Sunnyvale hope that the City Council will also take time to review the issue thoroughly. “Santa Clara County has just released a comprehensive report. Let’s use that science and current information to have a well-informed discussion,” Todd said.

The Supervisors are expected to vote on the issue in January.