Across the country, cities and schools are making critical decisions about the future of their athletic and recreational fields. Many are considering the installation of artificial turf—often drawn in by promises of low maintenance, all-weather durability, and high usage rates. But there’s a growing concern that community members aren’t being fully informed of the risks and long-term costs associated with synthetic turf fields. If your city or school district is proposing artificial turf, now is the time to speak up—and speak out.

At West Coast Turf, we believe in safe, sustainable playing fields—and we know natural grass is the gold standard when it comes to both health and long-term value. Here’s what every concerned parent, coach, and resident should know about synthetic turf—and why your voice is essential in the decision-making process.

The Hidden Risks of Artificial Turf

While artificial turf may seem like a modern solution, it’s not without serious drawbacks—especially when it comes to safety and health.

1. Extreme Heat

Artificial turf surfaces can reach dangerously high temperatures here in California and Arizona —often 40 to 60 degrees hotter than natural grass under the same sunlight. That means field temperatures can soar above 140°F on sunny days, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion, burns, and dehydration for athletes, especially children.

2. Toxic Exposure

Many artificial turf fields use crumb rubber infill made from ground-up car tires, which may contain heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other potentially harmful chemicals. While research is ongoing, some studies and health professionals have raised concerns about long-term exposure—especially in younger athletes who are more vulnerable to environmental toxins.

3. Injury Concerns

Synthetic turf has been linked to higher rates of certain injuries, including ACL tears, turf burns, and concussions due to the harder, less forgiving surface. For sports like soccer, football, and lacrosse, this can be a serious consideration for player safety.

4. Limited Lifespan and Disposal Issues

Artificial fields typically last 8–10 years before needing replacement. And when they do, disposal presents another problem: millions of pounds of non-biodegradable, contaminated 

Why Speaking Up Matters

Often, decisions about field installations are made at school board or city council meetings—with little to no input from the families, students, and coaches who will be most impacted. That’s why community advocacy is so critical. By attending public meetings, writing letters, organizing petitions, or simply asking questions, you can help ensure your community makes a fully informed choice.

Questions to ask:

• Have alternative, natural grass options been fully explored?
• What safety and environmental impact studies were considered?
• How will the turf be maintained, tested, and eventually disposed of?
• Is there a long-term cost comparison between natural and synthetic fields?

A Natural Solution: Safe, Healthy Grass Fields

Natural grass not only offers a cooler and more forgiving playing surface—it’s also environmentally beneficial, biodegradable, and aesthetically pleasing. Advances in turfgrass varieties and sustainable maintenance practices have made real grass more resilient and cost-effective than ever before.

At West Coast Turf, we’re proud to help California and Arizona communities design and maintain beautiful, high-performance natural grass fields that prioritize safety, health, and environmental responsibility. We support local voices who want to see safer alternatives in place for their children, athletes, and neighborhoods.

Conclusion: Get Involved—Because Your Field Should Be Safe

Decisions about school and city fields aren’t just about convenience—they’re about health, safety, and sustainability. If your community is considering artificial turf, don’t stay silent. Speak up. Ask questions. Demand transparency.

You deserve a say in what your kids play on. Let’s make sure it’s grass.

Take Action Today

Make your voice heard! If your school or city is considering artificial turf, attend the next board meeting, write to local officials, and share this blog with others in your community.

Let them know there’s a safer, more sustainable option—natural grass.

Contact West Coast Turf to learn how we can help you advocate for healthier, cooler, and more environmentally friendly playing fields. Together, we can protect the spaces where our communities play, grow, and thrive.