Last week, the Conservation Commission received an informal presentation from the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department and its consultant, CDM Smith, on the proposed renovation of Newton South’s artificial turf fields — Brandeis Road and Winkler Stadium fields and the proposed resurfacing of the track (replacement of rubberized surfacing). The proposal does not plan on making any modifications to the existing drainage systems but will ensure that the field collector drains are cleaned. The existing turf field will be removed and taken to a recycling center.
Both fields were converted to synthetic turf in 2009. According to CDM Smith, synthetic turf needs to be replaced about 8-10 years after installation, as does the rubberized track surfacing. They report that some of the GMax readings are coming in higher than average. (GMax measures the shock attenuation of sports surfaces. The higher the GMax value, the less absorption of force by the playing surface, and the greater the magnitude of impact.) The presentation included photos showing some of the conditions on the field emphasizing that safety is becoming a concern.
The project team has been interviewing different manufacturers — Shaw Sports, Astroturf, and Field Turf — and reviewing different options for synthetic turf options and infill materials – both organic and non-organic. They explained that with all of the concerns about the use of crumb rubber and recycled tires, a lot of alternatives are now available, but they stressed that crumb rubber is still the most popular infill choice for turf fields, with 70-75% of fields still using crumb rubber. Another rubber option is EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), which is a synthetic rubber that is very weatherproof. They noted that there are negatives to using rubber, including concerns related to environmental and health issues, but there are “still no definitive studies that show a direct correlation between health concerns with players.” They added that on the environmental side, “some studies show some elevated levels of zinc and some other components.” Heat was also noted as an additional concern with the use of rubber, as rubber turf can be “50-60 degrees higher than a natural turf field,” but they added, “if fields are kept up, they can be very safe for players, low maintenance, and low cost.”
Two additional manufactured materials were mentioned — Thermal Plastic Elastomer and Acrylic Coated Sand — but both were noted to raise the same concerns regarding chemicals with rubber surfacing and their contribution to the heat island effect.
As for organic options, cork and coconut, straight cork, and southern pine were discussed. These organic materials break down more quickly and may need replacement after only 2 years of use. Because organic materials tend to retain moisture, the length of field use time may be limited as some fall and spring playing time may be affected by freezing. These materials also tend to migrate when dry but are obviously much cooler and are harvested sustainably.
The Chair, Dan Green, noted that the original proposal to install turf fields was appealed by neighbors and that the Department of Conservation and Recreation had an order of conditions that included required testing. He noted that the Commission had not seen the results but if the testing came up “clean” then he did not believe it mattered what was put down and that the Commission’s concern was what if anything may be migrating into the wetlands. It was noted by CDM in the meeting that testing was conducted by SAC Environmental in 2013 for a period of 18 months and that a brief review of the document did not indicate any evidence of migration of materials into the wetlands.
Luis Perez-Dimorizi, from the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department said that the team has looked at the results and “scientists are evaluating those results.” They have looked at the fields at Fessenden School, Dana Hall, and Simmons College and are reviewing different turf options.
Several commissioners stated that they have less of a concern about the materials used, depending on the test results and added that “the public accepts these kinds of fields more than they use to.” Commissioner Kathryn Cade added, “The primary concern needs to be the safety of kids using the fields. [We] need to be mindful of the cost given general pressures on the budget so long as the underlying goal of our mission is to protect the wetlands.” The Chair stated that they know and understand the need. Perez-Dimorizi added, “Especially since we added lights to both fields…synthetic turf is what is needed at this point.” He noted that the team would be back before the Commission after meetings with the community, but they are looking to replace the fields this coming summer in order to be ready for the 2023 fall season. A recording of the meeting can be found here (beginning around 27:22).
