I’m so disappointed to read that the City Council has approved artificial turf for one of the city’s fields. I was part of a team of Newton citizens who have studied the situation, who have learned about the dangers that artificial turf poses to children, and who called both City Councilors and the Parks and Recreation Department to oppose using artificial turf.
We have attempted to dissuade Parks and Recreation from using artificial turf in view of the statistics that have been gathered about its danger to children. For example, the fields get very hot and the children suffer burns. Furthermore, artificial turf requires constant care and maintenance, which is not how it is promoted. Let’s return to tried and true grass – real grass.
Look at the statistics for yourself. It’s really amazing that the Newton Parks and Recreation has been pushing such a dangerous solution. Their decision does not appear to be based on safety and performance.
I know the Mayor is an educated citizen, but in this area she has not demonstrated knowledge of the issue that motivates many Newton citizens to oppose the use of artificial turf.
Rachel Ethier Rosenbaum
Auburndale
