From: Andrea Wald
To: Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Stone, Greer; Lu, George; Reckdahl, Keith; Veenker, Vicki; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Council, City
Subject: 1/24/26 Annual council retreat - agenda item B - Discuss and Select priorities Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 7:04:08 AM
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Dear Mayor and City Council members,
While the vote at your Jan. 12th meeting to replace El Camino field with more artificial turf is extremely disappointing, I am hopeful that discussions regarding doing a pilot of a natural grass field in Palo Alto is more than just a "discussion" and that you move forward quickly with getting the ball rolling.
I understand that at your upcoming Jan. 24th meeting council members will be discussing your city's priorities for the coming year.
I STRONGLY urge that you make the pilot project for an
organically managed natural grass field a TOP PRIORITY.
The sooner this can work can
start, the
better off everyone will be.
There will definitely be results that will help with future decisions regarding other sports fields and even your parks.
And I'm positive if the pilot is
done properly: the right irrigation, the right grass for our climate and the intended use of the field, and best practices for managing the field - it will produce the results we are all looking for:
an organically managed natural grass field that provides ample use time with little down time, a safe surface for all to enjoy and a model that can be repeated not only in Palo Alto but throughout the bay area and beyond.
It will be a win-win for everyone:
environmentalists,
scientists, community members, field users.
There are many from those of us who have been trying to get Palo Alto to go with natural grass and not artificial turf that would love to be involved in this project - from helping to guide you to the best resources and most knowledgeable
professionals to researching and
answering any questions that will arise as you move forward.
With deepest appreciation for your wanting to do the best for your community and beyond.
Sincerely,
Andrea Wald
Co-Founder, Community for Natural Play Surfaces
[email protected]
C: 408-431-3774