AGENDA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING NOTICE
MARCH 24, 2026
PUBLIC MEETING 4:00 P.M.
MEMBERS
Justin Jones, Chair, District 3
Rick Cole, Counc
ilmember, District 2
Tyron Hampton, Councilmember, District 1
Jason Lyon, Councilmember, District 7
STAFF
David Reye
s, General Manager
Lisa Hosey, Assistant City Attorney
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary
MISSION STATEMENT
The City of Pasadena is dedicated to delivering exemplary municipal services, responsive to our entire community and consistent
with our history, culture and unique character.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities A
ct of 1990, Assistive Listening Devices
are available from the City Clerk’s Office with a 24-hour advance notice.
Please call (626) 744-4124 to request use of a listening device.
Language translation services are available for this meeting by calling (626) 744-4124 at least 24 hours in advance.
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Items on the agenda may not be called in order listed.
Agendas and supporting documents are available on the Internet at http://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/city-council-municipal-services-committee/ Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the Municipal Services Committee after distribution of the agenda packet will be posted online and listed as: “Supplemental Agenda Material Received after the Posting of the agenda”.
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CITY OF PASADENA
REGULAR MEETING OF
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
MARCH 24, 2026
PUBLIC MEETING: 4:00 PM
PASADENA CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBER
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE, ROOM S249
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular meeting of the Municipal Services Committee will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., to discuss matters on the attached agenda.
Justin Jones, Chair
Municipal Services Committee
I HEREBY CERTIFY that this agenda in its entirety, was posted on the Internet at https://www.cityofpasadena.net/commissions/city-council-municipal-services-committee/ and on the Council Chamber Bulletin Board, Room S249, and the Bulletin Board in the rotunda area; City Hall, 100 North Garfield Avenue, this March 19, 2026, by 6:30 p.m. and that copies hereof were faxed, emailed or delivered to each member of the City Council and to each local newspaper of general circulation, radio or television station requesting notice in writing, all of which recipients are identified on the distribution herein below.
Derrick Airitam
DISTRIBUTION:
MSC Committee Members Central Library General Manager Pasadena Weekly City Council City Clerk Director of Planning and Permitting Pasadena Star-News City Manager Director of Public Works Los Angeles Times Pasadena Now City Attorney Public Information Officer La Opinion Pasadena Journal In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, listening assistive devices are available from the City Clerk's Office with a 24-hour advance notice.
Please call (626) 744-4124 to request use of a listening device. Language translation services may be requested with 24-hour advance notice.
Habra serv
icio de interpretacion disponible para estas juntas llamando al (626) 744-4124 por lo menos con 24 horas de anticipación.
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
MARCH 24, 2026
Public Meeting: 4:00 P.M.
Council Chamber, Pasadena
City Hall 100 North Garfield Avenue, Room S249
The Municipal Services Committee may take action within its authority on any item listed on this agenda as it deems appropriate following consideration and discussion of the matter.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 24, 2026 (Regular Meeting)
1. PROPOSED 12-MONTH PILOT PROGRAM: SOLAR AND BATTERY
PERMITTING & PLAN CHECK FEE & WAIVER (Pasadena Water and Power)
INFORMATIONAL ONLY
Information only items contain no staff recommendations. The committee may, however, take action within its authority relating to informational items on the agenda as it deems appropriate following consideration and discussion of the matter.
2. ARTIFICAL TURF ATHLETIC FIELDS AT CITY PARKS (Parks, Recreation and Community Services)
PUBLIC MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURN
NEW BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS
1 01 02/24/2026
CITY OF PASADENA
MUNICIPAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES
PASADENA CITY HALL
100 NORTH GARFIELD AVENUE
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER – S249
FEBRUARY 24, 2026 MEETING
OPENING The Chair called the meeting of the Municipal Services Committee to order at 4:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Staff:
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair
Councilmember Tyron Hampton (Absent)
Councilmember Rick Cole
Councilmember Jason Lyon
Lynne Chaimowitz, Assistant General Manager of Water and Power Joaquin Siques, Director of Transportation
Greg de Vinck, Director of Public Works
Jon Hamblen, Parking Manager
Brent Maue, City Engineer
Lisa Hosey, Assistant City Attorney
Betty Gao, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT No one appeared for public comment on matters not on the agenda.
INFORMATIONAL ONLY UPDATE ON PARKING FUNDS
Joaquin Siques, Director of Transportation, provided introductory comments, and Jon Hamblen, Parking Manager, summarized the staff memo as part of the PowerPoint presentation on the item, including providing information on off-street parking funds, expenses, and revenues, and on-street parking meter funds, with both responding to questions.
Councilmember Cole thanked staff for the presentation and suggested breaking large information items into smaller presentations in the future.
He also asked staff to provide additional information regarding the gross revenues generated by the parking meter contract and how those revenues are allocated.
Councilmember Lyon voiced frustrations with City rates remaining stagnant over many years, which has made current adjustments more difficult and emphasized the need for the City to stay current with rates going forward.
Councilmember Cole echoed Councilmember Lyon’s remarks in support of incrementally adjusting rates over time to balance revenues and reserves.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
2 02 02/24/2026
SIDEWALK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Lynne Chaimowitz, Assistant General Manager of Water and Power, and Greg de Vinck , Director of Public Works, provided introductory comments, and Brent Maue, City Engineer, summarized the staff memo as part of the PowerPoint presentation on the item, including providing information on sidewalk program goals, current sidewalk repair framework, permit-related repairs, City Service Center (CSC) requests, sidewalk inventory, sidewalk repair challenges, and inspection program, with both responding to questions.
Councilmember Cole emphasized the importance of maintaining the basic functionality of sidewalks and advocated for a more holistic planning approach and an increased investment in the sidewalk program.
Councilmember Lyon spoke in support of staff restoring sidewalks to an adequate condition and remain current moving forward; and expressed concerns on the liability exposure and the long -term cost of deferred maintenance.
Chair Jones echoed Councilmember Cole and Lyon’s remarks regarding maintaining sidewalks and spoke in support of equitable distribution of sidewalk maintenance, particularly in the City’s Northwest region.
Councilmember Cole expressed appreciation for Chair Jones ’ leadership, in partnership with General Manager Reyes, in fostering a more proactive and strategic approach to the Committee’s work.
Following discussion, on the order of the Chair, and by consensus of the Committee, the information was received and filed.
ADJOURMENT On the order of the Chair, the meeting of the Municipal Services Committee was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
__________________________
Councilmember Justin Jones, Chair
Municipal Services Committee
ATTEST:
____________________
Betty Gao
Recording Secretary
3 ITEM #1
4 PASADENA WATER AND POWER
MEMORANDUM
March 24, 2026
To: Municipal Services Committee
From:
David M. Reyes
General Manager
CC:
Jennifer Paige, AICP, Director of Planning and Community Development Subj
ect: Proposed 12-Month Pilot Program: Solar and Battery Permitting & Plan Check Fee Waiver
BACKGRO
UND
Recently, we brought forth a proposed pilot and marketing program for battery and solar installations in the City, including a low interest loan program. At Chair Jone’s request, this memorandum outlines a third component to this campaign and proposes a 12-month pilot program to waive permitting and plan review fees for residential and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems within the City of Pasadena. The program is designed to accelerate local clean energy adoption, support grid reliability, and align with the City’s adopted Optimized Strategic Plan and Resolution No. 9977.
The pilot combines three coordinated strategies: (1) a focused public outreach and marketing campaign; (2) a targeted solar and battery rebate program combined with a low interest loan; and (3) a proposed permitting and plan review fee waiver/reduction program.
Together, these initiatives are intended to increase solar and battery penetration across Pasadena, improve grid resiliency, reduce peak load demand, and advance the City’s climate and sustainability goals.
The report outlines program design, anticipated benefits, fiscal impacts, and a structured evaluation framework to assess effectiveness after 12 months. 5 Solar and Battery Permit Fee Waiver
March 24, 2026
CONTEXT AND POLICY ALIGNMENT
The City of Pasadena has established clear policy direction through its Optimized Strategic Plan and Resolution No. 9977, emphasizing sustainability, environmental stewardship, infrastructure resilience, and innovation in public service delivery. Key priorities include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy adoption, and ensuring reliable and affordable utility services.
Local solar generation and distributed battery storage directly support these goals by:
• Reducing dependence on centralized fossil-fuel-based generation • Enhancing grid flexibility and resilience
• Supporting equitable access to clean energy technologies • Enabling customer participation in energy management
This pilot program operationalizes these policy priorities by removing financial barriers to entry and encouraging broader participation in clean energy deployment.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Duration
• 12 months from program launch date
Scope
• Applies to all eligible residential and commercial solar PV systems and paired or standalone battery energy storage systems
• Includes new installations and qualifying system expansions Fee Waivers
The program would waive:
• PWP fees for solar and battery installations
• PWP Plan review fees associated with these systems
• PWP inspections associated with these systems
• Discussion and evaluation of potential for same waivers associated with Building and Safety fees for these systems for waived or reduced fees
6 Solar and Battery Permit Fee Waiver
March 24, 2026
Exclusions:
• Fees related to structural upgrades not directly tied to solar/battery installation • Fees associated with non-energy-related construction
• Fees associated with the hard costs of new meters as applicable Eligibility Criteria
• Projects must be located within Pasadena city limits
• Systems must comply with all applicable building, fire, and electrical codes • Systems must be installed by licensed contractors
STRATEGIC RATIONALE
Reducing Barriers to Adoption
Upfront costs remain a primary barrier to solar and battery adoption. While equipment prices have declined, soft costs—including permitting and plan review—continue to represent a meaningful portion of total project expenses. PWP has implemented some fee reductions for review of solar installations but is now seeking to memorialize and standardize these fees to provide immediate, visible cost savings to customers and signal strong municipal support for council policy.
Supporting Grid Reliability and Peak Load Management
Local solar generation and battery storage play a critical role in modern grid management.
Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) faces increasing challenges related to peak demand, particularly during high-temperature periods and evening ramp events.
Distributed solar systems:
• Reduce daytime peak loads by generating electricity at or near the point of consumption
• Decrease strain on transmission and distribution infrastructure Battery storage systems:
• Enable load shifting by storing excess solar generation and discharging during peak periods
• Support grid stability and resilience during outages or system stress events 7 Solar and Battery Permit Fee Waiver
March 24, 2026
Increasing local solar and battery penetration may help to mitigate peak demand, potentially defer some infrastructure investments, and enhance overall system reliability.
Advancing Climate and Sustainability Goals
The pilot directly contributes to greenhouse gas reduction targets by increasing the share of renewable energy within the local energy mix. It also supports broader environmental justice and equity objectives by pairing fee waivers with rebate programs that can be targeted to underserved communities.
Integrated Program Components
1. Fee Waiver Program
The fee waiver serves as the foundational incentive, reducing upfront costs and simplifying the customer experience. It also streamlines administrative processes by prioritizing solar and battery applications.
2. Solar and Battery Rebate Program and Low Interest Loan The City will implement a rebate program to provide direct financial incentives for system installation and expansions with enhanced rebates for lower-income households.
The combination of rebates and fee waivers amplifies the financial attractiveness of projects and shortens payback periods.
Staff will be issuing an RFP in March to identify financial institutions available to partner with for a low/no interest loan program to benefit those that may not otherwise be able to afford solar installation.
3. Marketing and Outreach Campaign
A comprehensive outreach strategy will be deployed to maximize program awareness and participation. Elements include:
• Targeted digital and print campaigns
• Community workshops and informational sessions
• Partnerships with local contractors and community organizations • Multilingual outreach to ensure broad accessibility
The campaign will emphasize cost savings, environmental benefits, and grid reliability contributions.
8 Solar and Battery Permit Fee Waiver
March 24, 2026
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
The pilot program is expected to achieve the following outcomes:
• Increase in the number of permitted solar and battery installations • Growth in total installed distributed generation capacity (kW/MW) • Increased battery storage capacity (kWh/MWh)
• Reduction in peak load demand
• Improved customer awareness and participation in clean energy programs Secondary benefits include local job creation, economic activity in the clean energy sector, and enhanced community resilience.
Revenue Implications
Direct Revenue Impact
Waiving permitting and plan review fees will result in a temporary reduction in City revenue.
Estimated impacts may include:
• Loss of or reduction in fee revenue associated with the permitting of solar and battery projects
The magnitude of this impact will depend on program uptake. Based on historical permitting data, the City can estimate a baseline annual revenue from solar-related permits and project the incremental increase in volume due to the pilot and will provide this information four months into the program under separate cover.
Offset Considerations
The revenue loss should be evaluated in the context of broader financial and operational benefits, including:
• Potential deferral of capital expenditures due to reduced peak demand • Increased electricity sales retention through local generation integration • Economic multiplier effects from increased local investment in clean energy through job creation
Additionally, increased permitting volume may partially offset revenue losses through fees associated with non-waived components of projects.
9 Solar and Battery Permit Fee Waiver
March 24, 2026
IMPLEMENTATION CONSIDERATIONS
Administrative Processes
• Establish clear internal guidelines for fee waiver application • Train permitting and plan review staff
• Implement tracking systems to monitor program participation and outcomes Interdepartmental Coordination
• Coordination between Pasadena Water and Power, Planning & Community Development, Fire and Finance as appropriate
• Alignment with existing rebate and sustainability programs Equity Focus
• Ensure program accessibility across all communities
• Consider targeted outreach and enhanced incentives for disadvantaged neighborhoods
Evaluation Framework (12-Month Review)
At the conclusion of the 12-month pilot, the program will be evaluated using quantitative and qualitative metrics.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Number of solar permits issued (baseline vs. pilot period) • Number of battery storage permits issued
• Total installed solar capacity (kW/MW)
• Total installed storage capacity (kWh/MWh)
• Participation rates across customer segments
• Geographic distribution of installations
10 Solar and Battery Permit Fee Waiver
March 24, 2026
Financial Metrics
• Total waived fee revenue
• Incremental program costs (rebates, marketing)
NEXT STEPS:
P
WP will continue to work with Planning and Community Development to evaluate ALL fees associated with solar and battery printing. PWP and P&CD as appropriate, will seek to memorialize these changes in the City’s adopted Schedule of Fees, Taxes, and Charges as part of the annual budget adoption and will implement as soon as may be possible through allowable administrative means.
11 ITEM #2
12 DATE: March 24, 2026
T
O: Municipal Services Committee
F
ROM: Koko Panossian, Director
SUBJ
ECT: Artificial Turf Athletic Fields at City Parks
_____________________________________________________________________ Thi
s memorandum provides information on artificial turf as the surface type for the multi- purpose athletic fields at Robinson Park and Villa Parke.
EXE
CUTIVE SUMMARY:
I
n light of SB 676, Municipal Services Committee directed staff to prepare a report evaluating the environmental and operational impacts of artificial turf fields. While SB 676 allows cities to ban artificial turf on residential properties, it does not address athletic fields. The Environmental Advisory Commission has recommended a citywide moratorium on new artificial turf installations and replacements, and the Recreation and Parks Commission supports retaining existing turf fields at Robinson Park and Villa Parke while halting further expansion.
The
City operates 22 athletic fields serving more than 20,000 participants annually. Demand for fields far exceeds the number of fields available. Natural grass fields require intensive maintenance, are vulnerable to weather and overuse, and must close regularly, reducing playable hours and limiting access for youth and adult sports groups. Artificial turf fields provide year-round reliability, more playable hours, lower maintenance costs, and major water savings.
A
rtificial turf presents environmental and health concerns, including heat, microplastics, and contain substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known carcinogens, neurotoxicants, mutagens, and endocrine disruptors. However, a review of best-available, peer-reviewed literature conducted by Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) found that “...the public health risk of artificial turf is low and likely does not pose a significant human health risk,” while noting the need for more long-term studies. Newer turf products with natural infill and PFAS-free manufacturing offer potential mitigation. Replacing existing artificial turf with natural grass would require substantial capital investment, ongoing maintenance, and reduced field availability during and after conversion. Given the City’s high demand for dependable athletic fields, the decision involves balancing environmental considerations, public health findings, fiscal impacts, and community needs.
13 Artificial Turf Athletic Fields at City Parks
March 24, 2026
2 BACKGROUND:
On May 14, 2024, Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) staff presented a report to the Municipal Services Committee (MSC) highlighting details of SB 676, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 8, 2023.
SB 676, which applies only to residential properties, prohibits a city or county from enacting or enforcing any ordinance or regulation that prohibits the installation of drought tolerant landscaping using living plant material on residential property. The bill further specifies that drought-tolerant landscaping does not include the installation of synthetic grass or artificial turf. The bill thereby allows cities to ban or prohibit the installation of artificial turf on residential properties. While SB 676 does not address athletic fields, MSC directed staff to collaborate with the Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) and the Recreation and Parks Commission (RPC) to evaluate the environmental and operational impacts of artificial turf fields.
In a memorandum dated September 13, 2024, the EAC recommended that City Council adopt an ordinance that would put a moratorium on new installations or replacement installations of artificial turf for City-owned property, including parks and city landscaping.
Please see Attachment A.
On December 3, 2024, PRCS presented a report to the RPC seeking their recommendation to maintain artificial turf as the surface type for the multi-purpose fields at Robinson Park and Villa Parke. The RPC recommended the City Council approve maintaining artificial turf as the surface type for the multi-purpose fields at Robinson Park and Villa Parke and not install additional artificial turf fields.
Athletic Fields in Pasadena
Pasadena has 22 dedicated multi-purpose fields (20 natural grass fields and two artificial turf fields) that are utilized by 60 groups and organizations, collectively serving an estimated 20,000 youth and adult participants annually. A list of these organizations is attached to this report as Attachment B.
Demand for Athletic Fields
Requests for soccer, football, flag football, baseball, and softball fields have significantly increased over the past twenty years, showing tremendous growth in the popularity of recreational and club sports. Participation in recreation and sports have consistently proven to have positive impact on youth and adults alike. As youth sports continue to grow, the demand for well-maintained sports fields and facilities is increasing and the need to provide safe and reliable fields is crucial to the mental, physical, and social growth of the youth in our community.
Field demand continues to be a challenge as staff turn away approximately 20-25 groups per year; moreover, staff is unable to completely fulfill the requests of the existing groups, thus 14 Artificial Turf Athletic Fields at City Parks
March 24, 2026
3 reserving less time than requested or scheduling these groups at fields other than those that are desired.
Fi
eld Availability
P
asadena's dedicated athletic fields include: one soccer field, one football field, two T-ball fields, six softball fields, and 12 baseball fields. The list of fields with available hours and 2025 athletic-use reserved hours is attached as Attachment C. While multiple fields may be listed at a specific park, not all fields can be used at the same time. For example, at Robinson Park, there are two dedicated softball/baseball fields and a football field. Only one sport can be played at a time for safety reasons: two baseball games or one football game.
A
typical athletic field in Pasadena can be available for play 5,475 hours per year for an average of 15 hours per day (park hours 7am-10pm). However, most of the permitted use on the fields are during prime time hours: 4pm-10pm on weekdays (six hours) and 7am-10pm on weekends (15 hours). As such, annual prime time available hours per field with lights equals 3,120 (14 fields) and 1,850 hours for fields that don’t have lights (8 fields). Factors such as shutdowns for maintenance, vandalism, rain, and renovation further reduce field availability by up to 1,350 hours per year.
N
atural Grass Fields
A
well-maintained natural grass field is an ideal surface for play. Grass benefits the environment by reducing the urban heat island effect, filtering rainwater and pollution, and providing habitats for birds and insects. Natural grass reduces temperatures even on hot days, with the temperature rarely rising above 95°F.
A
ll natural grass fields require routine maintenance including mowing, edging, watering, fertilizing, time off from play, and the application of plant herbicides and pesticides to control weeds and pests. The average annual maintenance cost for natural grass is $13,626 per acre. Fields also require annual renovation to help ease compaction from heavy play, irrigation adjustments/enhancements, topdressing to smooth surfaces, grading to improve drainage, overseeding, fertilizing, and watering. On average, the annual cost to renovate a natural grass field is $5,969 per acre.
A
rtificial Turf Athletic Fields
Arti
ficial turf systems consist of 2" to 2-1/2" long synthetic fibers tufted to a polypropylene backing, with secondary coating of polyurethane. The fibers are filled to a depth of 1- 2” with sand, rubber pellets, a mixture of sand and rubber or environmentally friendly options such as cork, coconut husks, and walnut shells. They are installed over a gravel base, with some designs incorporating a shock pad for added safety. Water drains vertically through the artificial turf backing and the gravel base. The sub-base is sloped to direct the water to a perimeter drainpipe that leads into the storm drain system. New field constructions can incorporate stormwater capture into their designs.
15 Artificial Turf Athletic Fields at City Parks
March 24, 2026
4 Artificial turf is more durable than natural grass. These systems are constructed to withstand year-round daily activity – football, flag football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, etc. – in all types of weather. Free of puddles, muddy conditions, or worn areas, the fields are usable and ready. Because there is no winter dormancy, summer dry or brown patches, the turf provides a consistent level of playability.
Artificial Turf Fields in Pasadena
The City of Pasadena has two artificial turf athletic fields located at Robinson Park and Villa Parke. These two fields were installed between 2009-11 to increase permittable hours allowing for more youth sport activities. Both fields were replaced in 2018 and have now reached the end of their intended service life.
Combined, Robinson Park and Villa Parke artificial turf fields serve PRCS programs, non- profit youth sports leagues, and a broad range of community and school-based athletic programs. The tables below list the user groups and participant numbers for Villa Parke and Robinson Park for calendar year 2025.
Villa Parke Soccer Field
Annual User Groups Adult/Youth Total #
Participants 2025 Total # Teams
Villa Parke Youth Soccer league Youth 3,388 344
Citywide Sports Youth 178 14
Providence College Adult 50 4
FC Goldenstate Youth 30 2
William Alverado Soccer Training Youth 55 4
Adult Sports Management Soccer League Adult 1,000 104 Totals 4,701 472
Robinson Park Multi-Purpose Field
Annual User Groups Adult/Youth Total #
Participants 2025 Total # Teams
Adult Sports Management Soccer League Adult 1,000 104
Ultimate Frisbee Adult 80 4
Pasadena Ponies Youth 40 2
LA Sports Net Adult 120 11
Citywide Sports Youth 178 14
Sequoya School Youth 50 5
Mayfield Jr. School Youth 30 2
West Pasadena / Central Altadena Little
League Youth 293 26
Rosebowl Pony League Youth 210 14
Totals 2,001 182
16 Artificial Turf Athletic Fields at City Parks
March 24, 2026
5 Benefits and Disadvantages of Artificial Turf
A
rtificial turf offers advantages for both the user and the City, particularly for such heavily used fields. These advantages are:
• Looks and plays like natural grass.
• Can withstand higher levels of use than natural grass, without the need for periodic closure for regeneration, thus increases field availability by 20-25%. • Requires minimal maintenance.
• Provides a uniform and consistent playing surface.
• Provides a 'cushioned' stable surface that reduces likelihood of head injuries. • Can be used in wet weather, increasing field availability. • Reduces carbon footprint and utility uses: limited to no water, no fertilizer, no pesticides, no mowing or other landscaping.
• Eliminates contaminated storm water runoff from pesticide and fertilizer use.
Di
sadvantages to artificial turf are:
• High initial cost of installation and replacement.
• Higher surface temperatures: rubber infill fields reach 150–170 °F, and natural infill fields typically range 110–135 °F.
• Requires newly produced plastic to manufacture the turf. • Contain substances such as PAHs, phthalates and PFAS which raise health concerns. • Consumption of food, sunflower seeds, and gum on the field cause great difficulties for maintaining the aesthetics of the field.
• Fibers break down over time and create a messy mix of loose plastic strands, infill displacement, and surface instability.
• Within five years of installation, requires repairs to heavy use areas.
M
aintenance Requirements and Water Use
A
rtificial turf requires less maintenance than natural grass. On average, maintaining artificial turf costs $3,477 per acre annually, with an additional $6,611 per acre each year for decompaction and rejuvenation treatments. Artificial turf fields can save 800,000 gallons to one million gallons of water per acre annually, depending on the size of the field.
The
table below compares various attributes of each type of field. 17 Artificial Turf Athletic Fields at City Parks
March 24, 2026
6 Category Artificial Turf Natural Turf
Water use Limited to zero High
Field Temperature Rubber infill: 150°-170°
Natural infill: 110°-135° 85°-95°
Playability Consistent surface;
unaffected by wet weather
Variable with weather; mud and
unevenness possible
Field availability Permitted at all available
hours
Reduced permittable hours due to
renovations
Compaction Cushioned stable surface Soil compaction increases with use Annual maintenance cost per acre $3,477 $13,626
Annual rejuvenation / renovation
cost per acre $6,611 $5,969
E
nvironmental and Health Concerns
As s
tated in the EAC memorandum to City Council, there are environmental and health concerns with the use of artificial turf fields. Studies have shown that artificial turf fields are composed of materials that contain substances potentially hazardous to human health, are hotter than playing on natural grass, are generally not recycled, and result in biodiversity loss.
The
Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) conducted a review of scientific literature on artificial turf and determined that “...the public health risk of artificial turf is low and likely does not pose a significant human health risk for individuals who use facilities where artificial turf is installed”. The PPHD memorandum is attached to this report as Attachment D.
I
n their review of the best available peer-reviewed literature, PPHD staff indicated materials used in artificial turf typically contain PAHs, phthalates, and PFAS, which are known carcinogens, neurotoxicants, mutagens, and endocrine disruptors. Studies found potentially hazardous concentrations of these substances in turf samples. However, the amount of these substances that can be absorbed into human bodies from turf during activities was found to be low-risk consistently across studies. The “...evidence indicates that intermittent exposure related to recreational activity poses a low risk to public health due to the limited degree that these substances can enter the body during such activities”.
The C
alifornia Environmental Protection Agency issued a report in March 2026 titled Synthetic Turf Study: Assessment of Health Risks from Exposure to Chemicals in Crumb Rubber Infill
1, which analyzed the level of absorption by the human body and found toxicity, cancer risk, and developmental and reproductive toxicity in all groups to be within acceptable benchmarks with very few exceptions. The report found “…the small exceedances in the few instances and scenarios associated with turf field-related chemicals are of low probability and of low concern and would not require further evaluation." Overall, current available evidence 1 Synthetic Turf Study: Assessment of Health Risks from Exposure to Chemicals in Crumb Rubber Infill Final Report. (2026). https://oehha.ca.gov/sites/default/files/media/2026-03/oehhaturffinal.pdf 18 Artificial Turf Athletic Fields at City Parks
March 24, 2026
7 indicates that the substances used in artificial turf likely do not pose a significant human health risk.
I
n their summary, PPHD staff noted that robust long-term research assessing health effects of artificial turf exposure over time is limited and more studies on long-term exposure would be helpful, especially as innovations in artificial turf development and implementation emerge, such as the introduction of natural infill material in lieu of the rubber pellets.
M
itigation Measures
PRC
S has identified mitigation measures that can help address concerns raised by the EAC, and can be incorporated into the replacement of City artificial turf fields including:
• Selecting a product that:
o Has Cradle-2-Cradle certification2
o Monitors for and removes PFAS from manufacturing
o Is recyclable
o Uses natural infill (e.g. sand, coconut husk, walnut shells) to reduce heat • Developing a robust turf maintenance program to reduce litter / extend turf life • Developing a comprehensive extreme heat guidance policy Both Villa Parke and Robinson Park artificial turf fields have reached the end of their intended service life. Replacing them is necessary to maintain safe playing conditions and avoid disruptions to programming. PRCS will incorporate the identified mitigation measures into the technical specifications for the new turf systems and embed them into the fields’ ongoing operational requirements to ensure long term performance and safety.
The C
ity Manager’s Recommended FY 2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes a project to replace artificial turf fields at Villa Parke and Robinson Park. The budget recommends $975,000 be appropriated for Villa Parke. Replacing this field is in the best interest of the City to avoid disruptions to existing programming. Staff will continue to track industry developments and emerging health research and will coordinate with PPHD to maintain a safe environment for all participants.
Attachment A – EAC Memo to Council dated September 13, 2024 Attachment B – Pasadena Sports Field User Groups
Attachment C – Field Availability
Attachment D – PPHD Memo dated January 14, 2026
2 Cradle to Cradle® certification demonstrates that the product meets independently verified standards for health, sustainability, and long-term environmental responsibility. This certification evaluates five key categories:
Material Health (using safer, vetted components), Product Circularity (designing products that can be reused or recycled at end-of-life), Clean Air & Climate Protection (reducing emissions and energy impacts during manufacturing), Water & Soil Stewardship (responsible water use and minimized environmental impact), and Social Fairness (ensuring ethical, community-minded business practices). 19 Memorandum
To: P
asadena City Council
From: Environmental Advisory Commission
Date: September 13, 2024
Re: Recommendations and Background on Artificial Turf in the City of Pasadena
1. Executive Summary
P
lastic artificial turf (also known as “synthetic turf” or just “artificial turf”), much like lead paint, DDT, and asbestos, represents a once-promising innovation that has since raised significant concerns regarding environmental and public health and safety. Initially introduced as a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass, artificial turf was celebrated for its durability and ability to provide consistent, year-round playing surfaces, and the look of green grass without the commitment of water and fertilizers. However, as was the case with other seemingly-promising innovations, the long-term health risks and environmental impacts associated with artificial turf are now becoming unavoidably apparent.
In the case of artificial turf, the toxicity of materials used in its production, including in the infill, which is often made from shredded rubber tires, have raised alarm. Studies show that exposure to chemicals in artificial turf, including lead and other heavy metals and forever chemicals, poses risks to athletes, children, the public, and contamination of our water supply. Dangerous heat conditions arise since artificial turf gets significantly hotter than natural grass, increasing the urban heat island effect and leading to thermal burns and heat stress. Biodiversity loss and tree root suffocating derives from no organisms living under artificial turf. These concerns echo the historical pattern of substances initially embraced for their practicality, only to later reveal serious public health and environmental consequences.
For the reasons set forth below, after several months of study, research, testimony, and discussion at Commission meetings, the Environmental Advisory Commission recommends that the Pasadena City Council take the following steps relating to artificial turf in the City of Pasadena:
A. Recommendations for Residential, Commercial, and Institutional Settings:
● Adopt an ordinance that would put a moratorium on new installations or replacement installations of artificial turf for landscaping in residential properties, commercial and institutional settings.
● Direct Pasadena Department of Water and Power to explore incentives and rebate programs to remove and replace artificial turf in residential, commercial and institutional settings with drought-tolerant native plants.
B. Recommendations for City-Owned Property, Including Parks and All City Landscaping:
● Adopt an ordinance that would put a moratorium on new installations or replacement installations of artificial turf for City-owned property, including parks and City landscaping.
Attachment A
20 ● While artificial turf still exists in City-owned parks, direct the Parks and Recreation and Public Works Departments in coordination with the Public Health Department to (1) establish policies for the safe utilization of artificial turf to prevent burn injuries, heat stress, and dehydration; and (2) educate the public by conducting a series of information sessions about the environmental and public health safety concerns of artificial turf playing fields, including exposure to PFAS and extreme heat conditions. ● Direct the Public Health Department to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on artificial turf to study potential adverse health impacts of artificial turf both directly and due to contamination to natural resources caused by artificial turf. (An HIA isa tool designed to investigate how a proposed program, project, policy, or plan may impact health and well-being and inform decision-makers of these potential outcomes. An HIA in this context will aid the City in determining what, if any, future planning and actions should occur to mitigate health effects from existing artificial turf installations.)
2. B
ackground - What is Artificial Turf?
Artificial turf is made of plastic, a petrochemical product designed as a substitute for natural grass. Plastics are derived from chemicals produced through the combustion of fossil fuels like oil and gas. Energy-intensive processes, including extraction, refining, and manufacturing, transform these fossil fuels into plastics, which are then used to produce both the grass-like blades and the backing materials in artificial turf installations.
There are three main components of artificial turf:
● Blades: The plastic blades are made by melting nylon, polypropylene or polyethylene pellets and mixing them with other chemicals and additives to achieve desired color. The melted mixture is shaped into strands and spun into a yarn that is then sewn into a mesh material.
● Backing layers: These layers are derived from various types of plastics such as polyester, polyurethane, polypropylene and latex to support the blades and provide stability and drainage.
● Infill: This granular material is spread between the blades to keep the blades upright and provide shock absorption. The most common types of infill are rubber crumb (made from shredded end-of-life automobile tires) and sand.
3. E nvironmental and Public Health Concerns of Artificial Turf Installations
A. D angerous Heat Conditions and Urban Heat Islands
Turf Heats Up More than Grass: Numerous studies confirm that plastic turf gets significantly hotter than natural grass, regardless of the type of fibers or infill used. Penn State research shows surface temperatures of synthetic turf can reach 140-170°F.1 A study by Brigham Young University found synthetic turf to be 37°F hotter than asphalt and 87°F hotter than natural grass.2 Unlike artificial turf, grass cools itself and the surrounding air through water evaporation. (See Figure 2 of temperatures of artificial turf and grass at Villa Park).
1 (Abraham, 2019; Claudio, 2008; NPRA, 2019)
2 (Williams & Pulley, 2002)
21 Plastic Turf Increases Urban Heat Island Effect: Urban areas are already warmer than surrounding regions due to heat retention by buildings and pavement. Artificial turf contributes to this by trapping and radiating heat, creating dangerous conditions for users, and raising temperatures in surrounding neighborhoods. According to Kelly Turner of UCLA's Heat Equity Initiative, plastic turf is one of the hottest materials, retaining heat longer than asphalt. 3 (See
Figure 1 of Urban Heat Island Effect at Jackie Robinson Park) Climate Change Will Make Plastic Turf Even Hotter: As global temperatures rise, Pasadena will experience more frequent days above 90°F. It is critical to address how artificial turf contributes to worsening conditions.
4 B. PF AS and Microplastic Pollution
Toxic "Forever Chemicals": Plastic turf contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), chemicals that persist in the environment and have been linked to cancer, hormonal issues, neurotoxicity, and developmental delays in children. All artificial turf tested has contained PFAS. 5 In addition, the infill, typically made of shredded tires made from end-of-life automobile tires, is extremely toxic, containing, among other substances, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
6 Risks of Cumulative Exposure: Athletes frequently in contact with plastic turf, such as soccer players and goalies, face higher risks of exposure to PFAS through skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion.
Contamination of Water Systems: Runoff from plastic turf fields carries PFAS into storm drains, polluting Pasadena's water supply, which could be both difficult and costly to clean up.
Estimates suggest cleanup would reach tens of billions of dollars, depending on the scale of the problem.
7 Microplastic Pollution: Plastic turf blades break off over time, releasing microplastics into drainage systems and waterways. Fields using crumb rubber infill are even worse, with studies showing 85% of water samples near such fields contain microplastics.8 C. G reenhouse Gas Emissions
Plastic Turf's Carbon Footprint: Greenhouse gasses are emitted from artificial turf continuously throughout its lifespan, in the extraction, storage, transportation and energy-intensive manufacturing processes, as well as off-gassing methane and ethylene while
3 https://innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/climate/heat-equity/. 4 California Healthy Places Index: Extreme Heat Edition, available at: https://heat.healthyplacesindex.org/. 5 What are the health effects of PFAS? Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, available at:
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html; O ur Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS, EPA, available at:
https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-c urrent-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas. 6 Health Impacts of Artificial Turf: Toxicity Studies, Challenges, and Future Directions, available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10262297/. 7 “Groundbreaking study shows unaffordable costs of PFAS cleanup from wastewater,” Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, available at:
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/groundbreaking-study-shows-unaffordable-costs-of-pfas-cl eanup-from-wastewater.
8 (Korbol, 2018).
22 in use and as it degrades. Solar radiation triggers the off-gassing from artificial turf and it continues long after dark.9 Methane is 80% more powerful at trapping heat than CO2 and a significant contributor to global warming.
Life Cycle Emissions: A recent study10 found one artificial turf field emits 527 tons of CO2 equivalents over its life cycle.
D. C arbon Absorption and Biodiversity Loss
Loss of Carbon Sink: Plastic turf installations eliminate natural spaces that would otherwise absorb carbon, hindering Pasadena’s climate goals.
Biodiversity Loss: Plastic turf kills soil microorganisms and displaces habitats for pollinators and wildlife, worsening the biodiversity crisis. Nothing can thrive in plastic grass.
Harm to Trees: Plastic turf covering the ground near tree roots suffocates the soil, depriving trees of essential nutrients. Preserving Pasadena’s tree canopy is critical for climate mitigation.
E. P ublic Safety and Injuries
Thermal Burns: Playing on plastic turf in high heat can cause first-degree burns at 118°F and second-degree burns at 131°F. Hot artificial turf can melt shoes, blister skin, and cause dehydration or heatstroke.
Plastic "Turf Burns": Friction injuries from sliding on plastic turf are common and can lead to bacterial infections like MRSA. Artificial turf causes a two-to-threefold increase in skin abrasions compared to natural grass.11
Increased Injury Rates: NCAA football players are nearly three times more likely to suffer ligament tears on artificial turf than grass. NFL players also experience a 16% increase in lower extremity injuries on artificial turf.12
F. Lac k of Recyclability
Plastic Waste: At the end of its life, plastic turf becomes non-recyclable plastic waste, emitting methane in landfills. A typical 80,000 sq. ft. plastic turf field contains 40,000 pounds of plastic.13 G. W ater Use and Maintenance Costs
High Water Usage: Artificial turf is often touted as a water-saving alternative to grass. However, in hot climates like ours, water is regularly required to cool the surface of artificial turf, which can
9 “Synthetic turf will contribute to greenhouse gas problems” MV Times, available at:
https://www.mvtimes.com/2019/02/20/synthetic-turf-will-contribute-greenhouse-gas-problems/. 10 “Analysis of energy use and emissions of greenhouse gasses, metals and organic substances from construction materials used for artificial turf” available at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921344917300861 11 (California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, 2010). 12 American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019, available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30995074/. 13 (Beyond Plastics, 2024).
23 reach 140-170'F. Water is also regularly required to remove pollution, bodily fluids, animal waste and bacteria from the surface of artificial turf. Given these factors, the water usage for artificial turf can easily match or exceed that needed to maintain natural grass.14 Replacement Costs: Plastic turf must be replaced every 8-12 years, with replacement costs ranging from $300,000 to $650,000 for football or soccer fields.15 H. E nvironmental Justice
Pasadena’s Environmental Justice Element requires fair treatment for all residents in implementing environmental policies. Artificial turf fields in Robinson Park and Villa Parke create urban heat islands in neighborhoods where some of Pasadena’s most disadvantaged residents live, raising utility bills and worsening health conditions for low-income communities.
4. O
ther Municipalities Adopting Similar Ordinances
The cities of Millbrae and San Marino have already begun establishing moratoriums for new artificial turf installations. Other California cities and counties such as Los Angeles, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara County are considering artificial turf bans.
5. C onclusion
Based on the significant environmental and public health concerns we have outlined related to artificial turf installations, the EAC firmly believes that keeping this substance in our city is not a responsible choice for Pasadena. The Commission believes that allowing new installations or re-installations of artificial turf is not in alignment with the City of Pasadena’s Climate Action Plan and makes it more difficult for the City to achieve its goals for climate change mitigation, adaptation and readiness.
We urge the City Council to act, adopting the recommendations we have put forward: Placing a moratorium on new and replacement installations of artificial turf for residential, commercial, institutional, and City-owned properties, conducting a Health Impact Assessment of artificial turf and establishing safe utilization policies for park field usage while the product still exists within the City of Pasadena.
14 https://www.turi.org/publications/artificial-turf/.
15 https://sportsvenuecalculator.com/knowledge/artificial-turf-field/turf-field-replacement-and-recycling/.
24 Figure 1. Villa Parke Temperatures on Artificial Turf vs Grass on September 2nd, 2024
Figure 2 (Safe Healthy Playing Fields Memo to EAC, August 2024)
25 26
Attachment B
Adult Sports Management Soccer Pasadena Panthers Football Alta Pasa Fast Pitch Pasadena Police League
American Youth Soccer Organization Pasadena Ponies Football Armenian Christian School Pasadena Southwest Little League Assumption School Pasadena United Soccer Training
Babe Ruth League Pasadena Waldorf School
Better Today Better Tomorrow Soccer Pasadena Women's & Non Binary Soccer Brian Smart Soccer Pasadena Youth Rugby
Chandler School PCC Baseball
ClubWaka Kickball PCC Women's Softball
East Altadena Little League PRCS Citywide Sports
FC Golden State Providence College
First To Third Baseball Rose Bowl Pony League
Frostig School Sequoya School
Grandview Foundation Sierra Madre Girls Softball
i9Sports SoCal Beepball
Jet Propulsion Laboratory Soccer Shots
La Liga Adult Soccer Special Olympics Southern California LA Out Adult Frisbee St. Philip School
LA Sports Net Flag Football St. Rita School
LA Surf Soccer Steve Hanneman Flag Football
Major League Softball Super Soccer Stars
Maranatha High School Tom Sawyer Camp
Marshall High School Total Futbol Academy
Mayfield Junior School Tribe La Crosse
Mayfield School Senior School United States Youth Volleyball Mind Tap Athletics Villa Parke Youth Soccer League
Pasadena Adult Rugby West Pasadena Little League
Pasadena American Little League William Alvarado Soccer Training Pasadena High School
Pasadena Sports Field User Groups
27 Attachment C
Park Dedicated Athletic Fields Lighted Sports Played
Prime
Time
Available
Hours*
2025
Permitted
Hours **
Allendale Park Softball Yes Baseball / Soccer 3,120 3,225 Brenner Park Softball No Softball 1,850 1,663
Brookside Park Baseball / Jackie Robinson Stadium Yes Baseball / Soccer 3,120 1,823 Baseball / Diamond 2 Yes Baseball / Softball / Soccer 3,120 1,334 Baseball / Diamond 3 Yes Baseball / Softball / Soccer 3,120 1,437 Eaton Blanche Park T-Ball Field No T
-ball baseball 1,850 197
Grant Park Softball No Softball 1,850 1,443
Hahamongna
Watershed Park Softball No
Baseball / Softball / Soccer /
Rugby / Flag Football 1,850 1,545
Hamilton Park Baseball Field #1 No Baseball 1,850 2,034 Baseball Field #2 No Baseball 1,850 2,014
Baseball Field #3 No Baseball 1,850 2,022
Jefferson Park Softball Yes Softball / Soccer 3,120 1,977 Robinison Park Football / Multi-Purpose Yes
Baseball / Softball / Youth
Football / Soccer / Frisbee
Football 3,120 1,485
Baseball / NW Diamond Yes
Baseball / Softball / Youth
Football / Soccer 3,120 1,364
Baseball / SE Diamond Yes
Baseball / Softball / Youth
Football / Soccer 3,120 643
Victory Park Baseball / Diamond #1 Yes Baseball / Football / Soccer 3,120 1,719 Baseball / Diamond #2 Yes Baseball / Football / Soccer 3,120 1,814 Baseball / Diamond #3 Yes Baseball / Football / Soccer 3,120 1,575 Baseball / Diamond #4 Yes Baseball / Football / Soccer 3,120 1,606 Villa Parke Turf Soccer Field Yes Soccer / Flag Football 3,120 3,164 Softball Yes Softball / Soccer 3,120 2,456
Washington Park
T-Ball Field No T
-ball baseball 1,850 291
*Prime-Time is defined as 4pm-10pm Monday through Friday, and 7am-10pm on weekends. ** Permitted hours don't account for closures / cancellations due to weather conditions Field Availability
28 Attachment C
Park Open Turf Areas Used for Sports Lighted Sports Played Prime
Time
Available
Hours*
2025
Permitted
Hours**
Brookside Park Area H - H1 No
Soccer / Lacrosse / youth
Football 1,850 612
Area H - H2 No
Soccer / Lacrosse / youth
Football 1,850 568
Area H - H3 No
Soccer / Lacrosse / youth
Football 1,850 580
Area H - H4 No
Soccer / Lacrosse / youth
Football 1,850 844
Area H - H5 No
Soccer / Lacrosse / youth
Football 1,850 832
Area H - H6 No
Soccer / Lacrosse / youth
Football 1,850 896
Area H - H7 No
Soccer / Lacrosse / youth
Football 1,850 955
Area H - H8 No
Soccer / Lacrosse / youth
Football 1,850 643
Area H - H9 No
Soccer / Lacrosse / youth
Football 1,850 1,235
Gwinn Park Open Turf No Soccer / Rugby / Football 1,850 121 Jefferson Park Open Turf No Soccer 1,850 1,252
McDonald Park Open Turf No Baseball / Softball / Soccer 1,850 1,154 Victory Park Open Tu rf / Lower Field Yes Football / Soccer 3,120 479 Open Turf / Upper Field Yes Football / Soccer / Rugby 3,120 3,564 Villa Parke Open Turf No Soccer 1,850 1,731
*Prime-Time is defined as 4pm-10pm Monday through Friday, and 7am-10pm on weekends. ** Permitted hours don't account for closures / cancellations due to weather conditions Field Availability
29 CITY OF PASADENA PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
To: Koko Panossian, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services From: Manuel Carmona, Director of Public Health
Date: January 14, 2026
Re: Artificial Turf Poses Low Risk to Public Health
In response to your request for an assessment of potential health risks of artificial (also known as synthetic) turf fields, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) prepared this memorandum to share findings from our review of peer-reviewed research. In short, the public health risk of artificial turf is low and likely does not pose a significant human health risk for individuals who use facilities where artificial turf is installed. Based on our review of the best available research, artificial turf materials are known to contain substances that pose health hazards on their own but the evidence indicates that intermittent exposure related to recreational activity poses a low risk to public health due to the limited degree that these substances can enter the body during such activities. Activities that increase absorption by the human body, such as chewing on or ingesting artificial turf fibers, may increase risk to health.
Summary of Literature
Overall, current available evidence indicates that the substances used in artificial turf likely do not pose a significant human health risk.
Artificial turf is composed of materials that may contain substances potentially hazardous to human health.
o In the research, there are notable differences in the groups of chemicals examined as well as toxicity assumptions made across studies. o Despite this variability, published studies on toxicity related to artificial turf indicate that dangerous levels of exposure through contact with artificial turf is uncommon and risk of adverse health outcomes is generally considered low. Health organizations, including the California Environmental Protection Agency, that have completed their own risk assessment, have found that artificial turf does not pose a significant human health risk.
Notably, robust long-term research assessing health effects of artificial turf exposure over time is limited at this time.
o More studies on long-term exposure would be helpful, especially as innovations in artificial turf development and implementation emerge.
Materials in Artificial Turf
Artificial turf was originally developed several decades ago as a durable alternative to natural grass playing surfaces. Its primary purpose was to withstand heavy use and variable weather conditions while maintaining a consistent playing surface. Over time, the composition of artificial turf has evolved, with advancements in the materials used for its construction (Jastifer et al. 2018). Modern artificial turf systems typically consist of multiple Attachment D
30
engineered layers installed over natural soil. These layers include a stone foundation for support, intermediate layers made of rubber, plastics, and often-recycled synthetic fabrics, and a top layer of plastic grass-like fibers (Hashamfirooz et al. 2025). The specific materials used in each layer vary based on factors such as the installation date and infill cost, but commonly include nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, synthetic rubber, and other polymers, including proprietary compositions (Murphy et al. 2022).
Substances in Artificial Turf
Many of the materials used in artificial turf contain substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which on their own are known carcinogens, neurotoxicants, mutagens, and endocrine disruptors (Murphy et al. 2022). A recent published review of toxicity studies found potentially hazardous concentrations of these substances in artificial turf samples. However, the amount of these substances that can be absorbed into human bodies, known as bioavailability, during activities on turf varied but was found to be low-risk consistently and across all studies. Due to the limited availability of long-term studies, researchers are unable to draw definitive conclusions regarding human health risks associated with real-world exposure over long periods of time (Ryan-Ndegwa et al. 2024, Murphy et al. 2022).
Conclusion
Due to limited long-term human health studies, the research calls for future study on long- term exposure to artificial turf (Karatela et al. 2025). Nonetheless, the current available evidence suggests a low risk of adverse health outcomes from artificial turf exposure.
Additionally, health organizations have conducted their own risk assessments. The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (CalOEHHA) investigated health risks and found that while chemicals are present in artificial turf, exposures are typically limited and not expected to pose major health risks (OEHHA Synthetic Turf Study, March 2025).
PPHD appreciates the opportunity to provide city staff with an assessment of scientific information that may be valuable to decision-making for your programs and services. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you or your team have any questions.
31