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MSC Public Comment - Agenda Item #2 - Artificial Turf Fields From Wesley Reutimann •
Date Tue 3/24/2026 11:32 AM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
Cc Kristin Reutimann
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Good afternoon Chair and Members of the Municipal Services Committee, As a Pasadena household with two young children who participate in local sports leagues, we are writing to urge the City to adopt a moratorium on further use of artificial turf fields.
As climate change drives more frequent and intense heat waves, investing in materials that exacerbate heat is inconsistent with Pasadena's public health and climate resilience goals. The recent March heat wave across Southern California underscores an immediate and growing public health threat to Pasadena residents, especially children and older adults, extreme heat. Artificial turf fields reach significantly higher surface temperatures than natural grass, often becoming dangerously hot during periods of elevated ambient temperatures. This not only limits their usability during an increasingly long part of each year, it increases the risk of heat-related illness for youth and adult athletes alike.
Artificial turf is a plastic product without a viable path for reuse. Often marketed as sustainable, plastic is not recyclable at end-of-life. There is presently no financial market for it. At best plastic materials such as water bottles can be downcycled (i.e. they require new fossil fuels to be repurposed, in contrast to say a glass or aluminum can). However the economics to downcycle plastic are not favorable, a major reason why 90% of "recyclable" plastic water bottles end up in landfills in California.
Plastic fields are even more difficult to repurpose, with most ending up in landfills where they leave a further toxic legacy.
The question before the City is not only about safety from heat and chemical exposure, but about broader environmental sustainability, lifecycle impacts, and community health.
Rather than spend almost a million dollars to commit the City to another decade of plastic pollution, now is the time for the Council to chart a cooler course and provide children in some of the city's hottest, highest-need neighborhoods with access to real turf.
We respectfully urge the Committee to adopt
turf fields.
moratorium on new and replacement artificial
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Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
The Reutimann Family
Pasadena 91103
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Artificial turf
From Laura Solomon
Date Tue 3/24/2026 12:42 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
>
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To the Municipal Services Committee:
My name is Laura Solomon, and I am a resident of Pasadena and a former chair of the Environmental Advisory Commission. It has come to my attention that the City of Pasadena is considering replacing artificial turf with more artificial turf. Frankly, I am shocked that the City would even consider this, because the environmental problems with artificial turf are well known. Surely we can do better.
I urge the city to replace artificial turf with grass or native plants, depending on the use and situation.
Artificial turf is plastic, which degrades and then harms anyone who has regular contact with it, like children playing soccer. It causes horrific damage to the environment. I could write a book on the harm that degraded plastic is doing to our planet.
Artificial turf gets hot, which is the last thing we need here in Pasadena, where we just broke multiple records with our recent heatwave. How much water will the City have to use to cool down this plastic grass? The amount will only rise as our climate gets hotter and drier.
Artificial turf cannot be recycled. Does the City really want to be responsible for adding tons of decaying plastic to our landfills?
And plastic is made from oil. The current war with Iran shows us how important it is for us to move away from petroleum-based products as much as we can.
Conversely, grass and plants provide multiple benefits. They create a cooling effect. They provide oxygen. When they die, they can be composted and returned to the soil. They provide habitat for all kinds of animals, including birds and insects.
Please do what's best for all of our residents, including children, trees, birds, and other wildlife.
Replace artificial turf with native plants and/or grass. Can we really call ourselves a Green City if the "green" is made of plastic?
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Thank you for your time.
Laura Solomon
Pasadena,CA 91106
626-437-1867
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MSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields From D Woelke
Date Tue 3/24/2026 12:47 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
Cc Hampton, Tyron <[email protected]>,· Cole, Rick <[email protected]>; Jones, Justin <j[[email protected]>; Lyon, Jason <[email protected]> You don't often get email from. Learn why this is important [A] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
SAFEHEAITHY
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BEYOND PLASTICS
wua
24 March 2026
OPPOSE ITEM #2
Dear Members of the Pasadena Municipal Services Committee, Thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments on behalf of Safe Healthy Playing Fields, Inc. (SHPFI).
SHPFI is an all-volunteer 501-c-3 non-profit organization. We are committed to educating communities, policymakers and elected officials about the health, safety, and financial realities of plastic fields versus grass fields, and other synthetic surfaces, for their parks and schools. Our constituency ranges from concerned individuals to community and civic organizations, legal, healthcare and science professionals, municipal leaders, and state legislators.
We strongly urge you to place a moratorium on the use of artificial turf fields in Pasadena parks and city facilities.
These "fake fields" routinely reach temperatures of 140-180°F on hot days and have been know to reach well in excess of 200°F conditions that are becoming more common - posing serious risks of burns, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, and even death, especially for children and athletes. In contrast, natural grass remains significantly cooler. There have been 2 instances of death from heat stroke playing on plastic fields in CA recently- a 12 year old playing at 8:30p on a 88 °F day in https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWgOA3H%2Bnm4To90yV%2B7YkwvQp7gABNjwOKQAA?nati... 1/2 3/24/26, 1:18 PM Inbox - Gao, Beilei - Outlook
February, another in November 2025 in Los Angeles. This is no longer a risk from Aug through October. Black and brown athletes are drying more frequently on plastic playing fields.
Adolescent lives matter. They have been exposed the longest and most frequently to these toxic products via inhalation, ingestion and inhalation. Already dressed from head to toe in plastic clothing, pads, helmets, leggings, shoes and socks, they become readily overheated, increasing the absorption of toxic and cancer causing chemicals. Just as younger children, adolescents have developmental winds, which extend into early adulthood.
Artificial turf also sheds microplastics and can expose users to harmful chemicals from crumb rubber infill, and from the toxic and cancer causing chemicals that leach from the plastic carpet blades, backing and shockpads. These materials then enter our stormwater system and waterways, contributing to long-term public health and environmental concerns. Each regulation sized field sheds 2 to 3 thousand pounds of plastic blades per year (CA DTSC). The Robinson field is supersized, not regulation sized. Newer so called non-infill synthetic turf has 16x more blades and sheds even more! The city's 2 fields are in EJ/SJ communities, imposing yet greater risk to vulnerable populations, adding the burden of heat island effects, toxic exposures, and, in the case of Robinson Park, increasing inequity by locking off the overheated toxic field, excluding those who cannot afford to "pay to play." Unlike living grass, synthetic fields provide no environmental benefits. They do not cool the air, support biodiversity, or absorb stormwater, and may worsen flooding. They also create significant waste, as fields must be replaced every 8-10 years, often sooner, and are not recyclable- despite industry claims that are being recited by staff members of Parks and Rec.
Natural grass fields are the safer, cooler, produce oxygen, enhance rather them decimate biodiversity, do not contribute to the massive amount of plastic pollution, and provide more a future-proof choice for all who live in and visit Pasadena.
Respectfully submitted,
Dianne Woelke MSN, Board Member
Safe Healthy Playing Fields, Inc.
https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org
SHPFI is an all-volunteer nonprofit 501-c-3
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BEYOND PLASTICS
JIFFIUTC
fMFE HEALTHY,
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Agenda item #2
From Cynthia Cannady
Date Tue 3/24/2026 12:52 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
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Dear MSC,
I join the calls for a moratorium on installation and replacement of artificial turf (AF) fields in our city.
There are so many reasons to ban AF fields that it's hard to know where to start.
I will focus on three compelling reasons for a ban.
First, the risk of harm to children playing on the fields is serious. There are multiple reports from credible scientific sources identifying and analysing the risks to all persons, but especially to vulnerable children. Most recently California's Dept of Toxic Substances Control published a technical report on AF. The report is disturbing. In summary, it finds:
"The use of artificial turf raises concerns due to its potential to expose humans and the environment to PFASs. People who use (e.g., play on) artificial turf can be directly exposed to PFASs through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. Young children and other sensitive subpopulations are especially vulnerable to the effects of this class of chemicals, some of which are developmental toxicants. In addition to its potential to expose users to PFASs, artificial turf can also release PFASs to the environment. As artificial turf weathers, it can leach PFASs into water. Once released to the environment during product manufacture, use, or disposal, PFASs become part of a virtually closed cycle leading to chronic human and ecological exposures. PFASs are found in aquatic, atmospheric, and terrestrial environments, including remote locations far from any point source. They are present in indoor dust, drinking water sources, food, wildlife, and humans — including the milk and serum of breastfeeding women. Because persistent PFASs lack a natural degradation route, their levels in the environment, humans, or biota will continue to rise for as long as PFASs are produced and used in consumer products.
In California, most end-of-life artificial turf is disposed of in landfills, which can release PFASs to the environment in leachates and gaseous emissions. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that collect landfill leachates, surface runoff, and residential and commercial wastewaterdo not effectively remove PFASs. PFASs in influent partition either to effluent water or sludge." The Pasadena Public Health Dept cites a recent Cal EPA study that admits that AF contains toxic compounds, but discounts the bioavaUability of toxic fumes and particulate matter, and laments "small exceedences." The public health department acknowledges that "more studies would be helpful" and careful study is warranted to assess long term impact. Cancer? Asthma? https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWgOA3H%2Bnm4To90yV%2B7YkwvQp7gABNjwOPAAA?nati... 1/3 3/24/26, 1:18PM
On our children? No.
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AF may contain cadmium, benzene, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, styrene, Volatile Organic Compounds C^OCs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in the plastic blades, backing, underlayment pads and in some plant based infills added to keep the blades upright.
Children are vulnerable, cadmium, benzene, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, styrene, Volatile Organic Compounds C/OCs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in the plastic blades, backing, underlayment pads and in some plant based infills added to keep the blades upright. Endocrine disrupters in plastics can have grave impacts on sexual development and are implicated in breast and other cancers.
Why would we take a vendor's word that is monitoring manufacture to reduce PFAS? It is actually absurd that Parks and Recreation is recommending AF installation without specifics and representations about the AF content and manufacture.
And who decides whether children should be exposed to "low risk" of asthma and cancer? What efforts have been made to inform parents of what is in this AF and this supposed "low risk" so that they can make the difficult decision to pull their children out of highly desirable sports programs? In a city where black and brown children and adults have aggravated levels of asthma and respiratory diseases, which the Public Health Dept has declined to study, the notion that exposure to environmental toxins and PFAS is low risk is worrisome.
What is a low risk? Apparently, it is too great for parents at Polytechnic School and for parents in San Marino. But OK for Villa Park and Jackie Robinson.
Second, it is undisputed that artificial turf is hot, and exposes children to heat related injuries and creates a heat island effect. The last thing we need in heat-threatened Pasadena, especially in central and NW Pasadena, is more heat.
As one of the world experts on AF, Dr. Sarah Evans from Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, has explained "it gets really hot." Dr. Evans has been sued by the AF industry for publishing factual scientific information about AF.
Indeed the politics ofAF is worrisome. The Cal EPA report cited by the Pasadena Public Health Dept was produced over objection from scientific panelists, as this LA Times Article explains.
Third, it is undisputed that artificial turf and its constituent chemicals are made from petroleum products and that its manufacture, installation use and disposal creates greenhouse gas emissions.
Why would we go to the trouble of implementing the Climate Emergency Resolution 9977 to reduce our city's greenhouse gas emissions but then spend a million dollars on AF products that emit greenhouse gasses?
And the amount of GHGs from AF is appreciable. AF is made from petroleum-based materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. The production of synthetic fibers and backing requires high- https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWgOA3H%2Bnm4To90yV%2B7YkwvQp7gABNjwOPAAA?nati... 2/3 3/24/26,1:18 PM Inbox - Gao, Beilei - Outlook
temperature manufacturing, emitting substantial carbon dioxide. When it's use is complete, it goes into landfill where it creates more GHGs.
I urge you to reject the Parks and Recs demand for AF installation.
Cynthia Cannady
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MSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields From Petrea Burchard
Date Tue 3/24/2026 1:04 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
Cc Hampton, Tyron <[email protected]>; Cole, Rick <[email protected]>; Jones, Justin <j[[email protected]>; Lyon, Jason <[email protected]> You don't often get email fromLearn why this is important [A] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you fcnowthe content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
Dear Members of the Pasadena Municipal Services Committee, I urge you to place a moratorium on the use of artificial turf fields in Pasadena parks and city facilities.
Please! Have you ever walked on artificial turf on a summer day? Better have some thick boots on. They get so hot they will literally burn your feet. I know, because I stepped on one once, in sandals. Bad idea.
These "fake fields" routinely reach temperatures of 140-180°F on hot days - conditions that are becoming more common - posing serious risks of burns, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, especially for children and athletes. In contrast, natural grass remains significantly cooler.
Artificial turf also sheds microplastics and can expose users to harmful chemicals from crumb rubber infill, including heavy metals and other toxic compounds. These materials then enter our stormwater system, environment, and waterways, contributing to long-term public health concerns.
Unlike living grass, synthetic fields provide no environmental benefits. They do not cool the air, support biodiversity, or absorb stormwater, and may worsen flooding. They also create significant waste, as fields must be replaced every 8-10 years and are not recyclable.
Natural grass fields are the safer, cooler, and more future-proof choice for our community.
Sincerely,
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MSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields From Levi Brewster
Date Tue 3/24/2026 1:12 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
Cc Hampton, Tyron <[email protected]>; Cole, Rick <[email protected]>,· Jones, Justin <[email protected]>,· Lyon, Jason <[email protected]> You don't often get email from. Learn why this is important [A] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
Dear Members of the Pasadena Municipal Services Committee, I urge you to place a moratorium on the use of artificial turf fields in Pasadena parks and city facilities.
These "fake fields" routinely reach temperatures of 140-180°F on hot days - conditions that are becoming more common - posing serious risks of burns, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, especially for children and athletes. In contrast, natural grass remains significantly cooler. Artificial turf also sheds microplastics and can expose users to harmful chemicals from crumb rubber infill, including heavy metals and other toxic compounds. These materials then enter our stormwater system, environment, and waterways, contributing to long-term public health concerns. Unlike living grass, synthetic fields provide no environmental benefits. They do not cool the air, support biodiversity, or absorb stormwater, and may worsen flooding. They also create significant waste, as fields must be replaced every 8-10 years and are not recyclable. Natural grass fields are the safer, cooler, and more future- proof choice for our community.
Sincerely,
Levi Brewster
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