AR 11 CORR FROM 3-24 AND 6-23 MSC MEETING CORRESPONDENCE — Pasadena City Council, October 13, 2026

CORRESPONDENCE
FROM MARCH 24, 2026,
AND JUNE 23, 2026,

MUNICIPAL SERVICES

COMMITTEE MEETING
§C Outlook a»
Letter from League of Women Voters for the Pasadena Area From Cynthia Cannady
Date Thu 3/19/20261:28PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
Bl 1 attachment (277 KB)
Artificial Turf_LWVPA_031926.pdf;
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Please accept the attached letter as correspondence for the 03/24/26 meeting of the MiunicipalServices Committee. This concerns the artificial turf issue and we don't yet have the agenda number.

For Martha Zavala, Advocacy Director
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Alhambra Altadena Arcadia Bradbury Duarte LaCanada Flintridge Monrovia Monterey Park Pasadena San Gabriel San Marino Sierra Madre South Pasadena March 19, 2026
Pasadena City Council
City Hall
100 N.Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, California 91109
Public Information Needed on Environmental and Health Risks of Synthetic Turf Dear Mayor Gordo and Members of the Pasadena City Council,The League of Women Voters of Pasadena Area respectfully urges the Council to ensure that thepublic has full access to current, science-based information regarding the potential environmental and health risks associated with synthetic (artificial) turf, currently installed and proposed for ourcity parks, schools, and recreation areas.

As an organization deeply committed to informed public participation and evidence-based decision-making, we believe that community members deserve a clear, transparent understanding of the environmental and health implications of this issue. Information should address at least the following areas of concern:Health Impacts, Especially for Children Research continues to raise questions about potential exposure to PFAS, toxic substances, heatrelated illness, and injury on artificial surfaces. Children, who spend significant time in close contact with these fields, are particularly vulnerable. It appears that reputable sources disagree on the nature and gravity of the risk, but we should not take chances with our children. At the least,we propose that full disclosure on potential health risks be disclosed and a city-wide informationmeeting be held before a decision is taken. Parents deserve to know about potential health risks to their children and have an opportunity to express their view before this body takes a decision.

Contribution to Greenhouse Gas EmissionsSynthetic turf is derived primarily from petroleum-based plastics. Its production, transportation, and eventual disposal contribute to greenhouse gas emissions at a time when municipalities are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Heat Island Effect
Installation of artificial turf is known to increase temperatures in urban areas. Pasadena isalready a high heat risk city and Northwest Pasadena is achiowledged to be an "urban heat island" characterized by higher temperatures due to dense development, asphalt, limited treecanopy and historical factors including land use policies.

Waste and End-of-Life Disposal
Artificial turf cannot currently be recycled at scale. Once worn out, typically within a decade or less, it becomes a significant source ofnon-recyclable waste headed for landfills. Its disposal accounts for major greenhouse gas emissions. What will happen to these plastic materials when children have played on them for years and they need to be replaced? Water Pollution and Environmental RunoffThe breakdown of turf materials and infill releases microplastics and chemicals into surface water and stormwater systems, potentially affecting watershed health and local ecosystems. It ends up in the ocean, which is already polluted with plastic.The League encourages the City Council to consider all of these risks and decline to authorize installation of artificial turf in public parks.

In any case, in the name of democracy, we urge you to offer and publicize a public forum on the topic, inviting critics and defenders. The public, especially parents of minor children, have a right to know and express their views before a decision is taken.

Thank you for your attention and your commitment to ensuring fully informed public decision- making in Pasadena.

Respectfully,
Martha Zavala
Director of AdvocacyLeague of Women Voters Pasadena Area A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
65 S. Grand Avenue • Pasadena, CA 91105-1602
T 626-798-0965 • E-mail: [email protected] • Website: lwv-pa.org 3/23/26, 5:29 PM Inbox - Gao, Beilei - Outlook
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Letter of support for artificial turf. Item 2, MSC Meeting 2026-03-24 From Gary Lai
Date Fri 3/20/2026 10:23 AMTo cityclerk <[email protected]> I 1 attachment (69 KB)
Letter of support for artificial turf ban-City of Pasadena.pdf; You don't often get email from __arn why this is important [A] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know thecontent is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article"KB0011474" on the DolT portal.

Hello,
Please attach this letter of support for the banning of artificial turf as a public comment for Item #2,Municipal Services Committee meeting on 3/24/2026.

Thank you.
-Gary Lai

QUIXOTIC

NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
Gary J. Lai, CA PLA 4054, LEED AP BD+C
Principal and FounderPasadena, CA
USGBCN^CA
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Past-Chair of the Board
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Gary J. Lai
ASLA, LEED AP BD+C
PrincipalCKiiwniF l.ias:-is. PLA 4034
City Clerk of the City of Pasadena
Municipal Services CommitteeCity of Pasadena
March 20, 2026
RE: Letter of support for proposed artificia! turf ban
To: Municipal Services Committee
As a landscape architect and sustainability expert with over 35 years of experience based in Pasadena, I strongly support any initiative aimed at curbing the use of artificial turf within the City of Pasadena.

The utilization of artificial turf in both residential and commercial settings poses significantenvironmental challenges. It contributes to soil erosion and exacerbates the effects ofextreme heat, while failing to provide the advantages of natural materials in terms of evaporative cooling, stormwater infiltration, and carbon sequestration.

While it is essential to evaluate all turf areas and restrict their use to essential act'M'ties such as sports and recreation, artificial turf compounds the environmental impact by negating the positive effects of natural materials. Even in the context of water conservation, artificial turf necessitates irrigation systems to maintain a coot surface temperature, even during moderately hot days. For instance, the high temperatures experienced in recent weeks (March 2026) render an unirrigated artificial sports field unusable and unsafe due to the excessive heat generated by the field materials and the risk of severe bums.

In summary, artificial turf is more costly to install, requires ongoing maintenance, and consumes water while failing to offer the benefits associated with natural materials.

Sincerely,
./ ',- ^(•'
/
Gary J. Lal, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP BD+C
Adjunct Faculty, CalPoly Pomona, Landscape Architecture ^ Outlook
Comments on 24 March 2026 Municipal Services Committee
From Joan Aarestad
Date Fri 3/20/2026 10:30 AM
To cityclerk <[email protected]>
.© 1 attachment (21 KB)Artificial Turi: MSC 24 Mar 2026-pdf; [You don't often get email from
https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderldentification ]
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Please provide these comments to the Municipal Services Committee. https://outlook.office.com/mail/none/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWgOAcll4tyWJHOuQlnZCPB9nkMHpE6GEgM?nativeVersio... 1/1 To the Municipal Services Committee:

Re: 24 March 2026 MeetingAgenda Item 2 Informational Only Artificial Turf I am the Chair of the Sustainability Committee for Pasadena Beautiful Foundation. On pastoccasions, we have taken the position before the Environmental Advisory Commissionthat the City of Pasadena should not support the use of artificial turf. We are renewing that position before this Committee.

We would still tike the following topics to be reviewed with reference to synthetic turf:

Pros
Reduces the use of water in maintaining urban landscapes Reduces cost/time/energy of maintaining a living lawn
Allows for more days of use of fields
Cons
Smothers complex ecosystems in the soil that foster better environmental health Does not reduce the use of water due to need to cool material Made of plastics that break down into microparticles that cause health problems Artificial turf is not recycled so becomes solid waste in landfillsTurf temperatures reach dangerous levels in hot weather which can cause burns Additional costs/expenses due to electronics that require updates and become obsolete prior to the end of the useful life of the turf We had previously asked for staff to provide us with the most recent technological assessments and financial analysis of the expenditures so that you as our electedrepresentatives can make informed decisions. Once these topics are evaluated, weanticipate that artificial turfwitl be seen as NOT the most cost effective choice. And thisdoes not even take into consideration health risks to vulnerable children.This is perhaps a seminal moment to see whether our elected officials are truly committedto making the City of Pasadena a leader in environmentally appropriate decisions or not.

On a personal note, I am old enough to remember the searing pain I experienced in my lungs as a child playing on grass fields during the dark air quality days of the 1960s. It took massive efforts to improve our air quality so that my children did not experience that pain.It is ironic that though our air quality is much improved from emissions, we are turning a blind eye to other forms of pollution from micro-ptastics that children breathe in from artificial turf.

I hope this Committee has the strength to make the best decision for our community.

Respectfully submitted
Joan E.Aarestad
Chair, Sustainability Committee
Pasadena Beautiful Foundation
9 d"a^ Outlook
Comment on Artificial Turf Installation
From Ryan Kirr
Date Fri 3/20/2026 4:38 PMTo Gao, Beilei <[email protected]> You dont often get email from i. 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 DoIT portal.

To the Municipal Services Committee,
My name is Ryan Kim, and I am a sophomore who lives and attends high school in Pasadena. I am deeply concerned by the proposal to replace the natural grass fields at Robinson Park and Villa Parke with artificial turf.

I first learned about the impacts of plastics on human and environmental health in eighth grade, and what I found was alarming. Artificial turf contains chemicals — including PFAS, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals such as zinc and lead —that are well-documented to cause cancer and hormonal disruption. Beyond chemical exposure, turf surfaces heat to dangerously high temperatures on sunny days; a friend of mine found that his trash can had melted onto his backyard turf after a warm afternoon. And the abrasive surface itself causes friction burns: my brother, who plays soccer, regularly comes home with skinned knees from sliding on artificial turf fields. These are theimpacts of installing artificial turf.

Environmentally, the harms are also significant. Turf blades shed microplastics that enter stormwater,flow into the Arroyo Seco, and eventually reach the LA River and the Pacific Ocean, where they harm marine wildlife and accumulate in ecosystems. Beneath the field, turf sterilizes the soil and disrupts the roots, moisture, and microbiat life that trees and plants in the surrounding area depend on. And the manufacturing of artificial turf carries a substantial carbon footprint — studies have found that synthetic turf generates several times the lifecycle emissions of natural grass per square meter installed.

For these reasons, I urge the committee to reject the installation of artificial turf at these facilities.

Ryan K. Kirn (he/him)
Polytechnic School
j 'Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter dont mind.' — Bernard M. Baruch
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Public Comment - MSC Item #2 (March 24, 2026): In Support of Real Grass Fields From Christopher Yeh
Date Fri 3/20/2026 5:30 PM
To cityclerk <[email protected]>; Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>Cc 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 Municipal Services Committee,
As a Pasadena resident, I am writing to express my strong support for the installation and maintenance of natural grass fields over artificial turf in our local parks and athletic facilities.

While I understand the desire for low-maintenance solutions, the long-term environmental, health, and safety costs of synthetic surfaces far outweigh their perceived convenience. I urge the committee to consider the following points:

1. Public Health and SafetyExtreme Heat Artificial turf can reach temperatures between 140°F and 180°C, creating a significantrisk for heat exhaustion and burns. In contrast, natural grass provides cooling throughevapotranspiration.Injury Risk: Studies consistently show higher rates ofACL tears and "turf burns" on synthetic surfaces due to increased friction and surface stiffness compared to the natural "give" of soil and grass. I myself have experienced several turf burns over the years.

Chemical Exposure: Many turf systems use rubber infill from recycled tires, which may contain heavy metals. Our residents should not be exposed to these harmful substances.

2. Environmental ImpactMicroplastic Pollution: Turf fields shed plastic fibers and rubber particles that inevitably enter Pasadena's stormwater systems and local waterways.

Ecosystem Services: Unlike synthetic plastic, natura! grass absorbs carbon dioxide, produces oxygen,and supports local biodiversity.Stormwater Management Natural soil acts as a filter and sponge. Replacing it with compacted layers for turf increases urban runoffand heightens local flooding risks. https://outlook.office.com/mait/inbox/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWgOA3H%2Bnm4To90yV%2B7YkwvQp7gABNFbtEQAA?natt.. 1/2

3. Sustainability and Waste
Artificial turf fields have a short lifespan of 8-10 years and are notoriously difficult to recycle. Most end up in landfills as massive piles of non-biodegradable, petroleum-based waste. By choosing droughttolerant natural grass suited for our climate, Pasadena can demonstrate a commitment to true environmental stewardship.

I believe Pasadena has the opportunity to lead by example, utilizing modem turf management techniques to maintain high-quality, water-efficient natural fields that protect both our children and our environment.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community's well-being.

Sincerely,Christopher Yeh
Pasadena Resident, District 6
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Please vote no against plastic fields
From Lissette Rodriguez
Date Fri 3/20/2026 8:02 PMTo Gao, Beilei <[email protected]> >
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Hi,
As a Pasadena resident and homeowner who is concerned about the future of our city, I urge you tovote no against investing any more money into plastic fields. They are harmful to the environment, can pose long term risks to people's health, and are just a bad idea.

Thank you,
Lissette Rodriguez
Pasadena, 91106
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Public Comment-MSC Item #2-Keep it real, Pasadena
From Kaly
Date Sat 3/21/2026 6:38 PMTo Gao, Beilei <[email protected]> You don't often get email from i. 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.

Please do not install artificial turf in Pasadena parks, playing fields, and anywhere children and young people play.

The lcahn School of Medicine has detailed harms to people's health from being on these surfaces at all ages, but especially for young people. "The Children's Environmental Health Center of the lcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai strongly discourages the installation of artificial turf playing surfaces and fields due to the uncertainties surrounding the safety of these products and the potential for dangerous heat and chemical exposures. In addition, recent studies demonstrating the presence of PFAS and microplastics in these products raise significant concerns for both human health and environmental contamination."These installations will be harmful to everyone.

Thank you,
Kaly Trezos
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Public Comment - MSC Item #2
From
Date Sun 3/22/2026 11:55 AM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
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Dear Committee Members:

This email expresses my concerns over the use of plastic astroturf "grass" in Pasadena.Astroturf seems like an economical product to use in that it appears to lower maintenancecosts; however, there are other costs that out way this "benefit."As you are well aware of the litigious nature of our society, I can see the increased use of astroturf in Pasadena as a potential target for future litigation for the City from an environmental and personal injury perspective.

In addition to heavy metals and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), astroturf contains perand poly-fluoralkyl substances (PFAS), which can be found in the backing and "grassblades." A 2024 study completed by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) found that three out of four soccer players or coaches were coated in PFAS after playing on artificial turf. While the toxicity of PFAS continue to be studied, its effect on the developing bodies of young children is something we shouldn't discount when considering overall costs.

Chemicals in astroturf can also leach off of the product and contaminate water sources.

These artificial covers also impede water infiltration and can contribute to flooding in areas that haven't been designed to absorb additional flow.

Accidents from sports played on astroturf are also a consideration. In her September 19,2023 article, "Injuries Related to Artificial Turf," Katerina Kerska, from the National Center for Health Research states that there is an increase in ACL and ankle injuries, concussions, abrasions, and heat related injuries when athletes play on artificial surfaces.

These are but a few of the many articles that speak to the issues regarding astroturf. In myopinion, as a 50 year resident of Pasadena, the costs of using this product do not outweigh the "benefit."
Sincerely,
Dianne Franks
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Villa Parke Turf Field
From Clara CarmichaelDate Sun 3/22/2026 2:43 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
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To Whom It May Concern,
I go to high school in Pasadena, and I am concerned that Pasadena's Municipal Services Committee is being asked to replace the synthetic turf field at Villa Parke with turf instead of grass. A grass field would serve our community much better for many important reasons.Artificial fields release microplastics which do not break down— they break up into smaller and smaller pieces that can take centuries to eliminate. These microplastics pose serious environmental and health threats to your constituents. I hope that when making this decision Pasadena's MSC will play the long game. Young people like me are counting on you to prioritize giving the athletes who play at Villa Park a better future over the few minor inconveniences that come with grass fields.I have played soccer in Pasadena for years with AYSO Region 13 and TFA Club, and I know that it is very uncomfortable to play on turf fields. The sun warms the plastic grass to high temperatures making the bottom of my cleats heat up. After the games, my feet will be pink and raw from beingscalded every time I take a step. It is not a fun experience. My team and I are always disappointed when we hear that we will be playing a game on a field made of artificial grass. The fans and parents are equally averse because of the sweltering heat on turf sidelines.

The point of an athletic facility is to ser/e the athletes that play there and the community; to foster a safe and fun athletic environment. By that logic, I urge you to replace Villa Parke's turf field with real grass.

I appreciate all that you do to listen to young people like me who are directly affected by your choices.

Thank you for your time and consideration,Clara
Clara Carmichael
Polytechnic School
Class of 2029
She/Her/Hers
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Public Comment - MSC Item #2 - Keep it real, Pasadena!
From Eileen Hsu
Date Sun 3/22/2026 6:39 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
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Dear City Council of Pasadena,
Good day to you. I'm writing to urge you not to use synthetic turf. The only thing it offers is a temporary illusion of green turf, except that it is anything but and comes with high environmental, public health, and taxpayer costs. Even Pasadena's own Turf Removal Program(https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/turfreplacement/) strongly discourages and strictly prohibits rebate from the use of synthetic turf for all of the reasons that my fellow Pasadena residents who oppose it list. (repeated below for your convenience.)If cost of maintenance of real turfs is high, increase the field reservation prices. If people complain, cite the very real climate change, decreasing availability of water, and increasing cost of living. That's the truth.

Synthetic turf is the lie.

Fake fields are hotter
• Artificial turf can reach 140-180°F on hot days, which we're seeing more and more of. • These temperatures increase risk of burns and heat-related illnesses (heat exhaustion, heat stroke), especially for children and athletes.
• Grass fields stay significantly cooler due to evapotranspiration.

Fake fields produce microplastic pollution
• Turf fields shed microplastics as fibers and rubber infill break down. • These particles enter stormwater systems, waterways, and eventually the ocean. https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AAkALgAAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWgOA3H%2Bnm4To90yV%2B7YkwvQp7gABNIjXzwAA?nativ... 1/3 Microplastics are now found in air, water, soil, and human bodies, raising long-term health concerns.

Fake fields expose park users to harmful chemicals
• Many turf systems use crumb rubber infill made from recycled tires, which can contain:
o Heavy metals (e.g., lead, zinc)
o PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)
• White research is ongoing, there is increasing concern about chronic exposure, especially for youth athletes.

Fake fields provide no environmental benefits
• Unlike grass, artificial turf:
o Does not absorb carbon dioxide
o Does not produce oxygeno Does not support biodiversity It replaces living ecosystems with non-recyclable, petroleum-based materials. • Fake fields increase stormwater / flooding risk
Natural soils absorb and filter water.

Turf fields are typically installed over compacted layers that reduce infiltration. • This can increase urban runoff, increasing local flooding risk and pushing pollutants into localwaterways.

Fake fields pose long-term waste and environmental problem • Artificial turf fields typically last 8-10 years.• Fields are made from non-biodegradable plastics—most end up in landfills. • Turf is made from fossil fuels and requires energy-intensive manufacturing. • Replacement cycles mean repeated carbon emissions and material use. https://outlook.ofRce.com/mail/inbox/id/AAkAL9AAAAAAHYQDEapmEc2byACqAC%2FEWgOA3H%2Bnm4To90yV%2B7YkwvQp7gABNijXzwAA?natlv... 2/3 Fake fields pose greater injury risks
• Studies have found higher rates of certain injuries (e.g., ACL tears, turf burns) on artificial surfaces.
•Turf can create more surface friction and stiffness than natural grass.

Real grass is a time-tested, cooler, safer, and healthier option • Modem grass field management (e.g., improved drainage, drought-tolerant species) can:
o Reduce water useo Support year-round play
o Deliver environmental and cooling benefits
Thank you for your attention,
Eileen Hsu
. Pasadena, CA 91106
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Villa Parke Turf Field
From Benjamin Heuer
Date Sun 3/22/2026 8:22 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[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.

Artificial fields release micropiastics which do not break down— they break up into smaller andsmaller pieces that can take centuries to eliminate. These microplastics pose serious environmental and health threats to your constituents. I hope that when making this decision Pasadena's MSC will play the long game. Young people like me are counting on you to prioritize giving the athletes who play at Villa Park a better future over the few minor inconveniences that come with grass fields.

I have an artificial turf yard at home and have had multiple trash cans and other plastic devices melt onto the grass when the temperature rises. I have (luckily) not really had to go on the grass barefoot or in minimal foot covering but can imagine how tough that can be, given that plastic has melted onto it. Those days of extreme heat, I generally avoid playing on the grass outside for fear of my feet burning. The point of installing artificial turfs is to minimize the minor inconveniences provided by organic grass, but in hot places like SoCal and Pasadena, artificial turf can easily go unused because ofour climate.

The point of an athletic facility is to serve the athletes that play there and the community; to foster a safe and fun athletic environment. By that logic, I urge you to replace Villa Parke's turf field with real grass.

I appreciate all thatyou do to listen to young people like me who are directly affected by your choices.

Thank you for your time and consideration.Ben Heuer
(he/they)
Class of 2029
Polytechnic School
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Public Comment for MSC 3/24/26
From Heather Robb
Date Man 3/23/2026 8:01 AMTo Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>,· cityclerk <[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 thecontent is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article"KB0011474" on the DolT portal.

Hello there,
My name is Heather Robb. I live in District 3, and have served as the "at large" commissioner on theEAC for the past three years. I am writing about Agenda item #2, Artificial Turf at Athletic Fields and City Parks. As an environmental advocate and a Pasadena parent, I am writing to voice my STRONG OPPOSITION to the continued use of Artificial Turf in Pasadena's parks and athletic fields. There are so many arguments against its usage, so as the former head of the EAC's water subcommittee, I'd like to focus on its detrimental impacts on our ground water and drinking water.

Ground Water: Since artificial turf is essentially a plastic rug, it prohibits our soil from naturally absorbing rain water. Instead, the water runs off it and is swept away into our storm drains. As Pasadena works towards water independence, we need more opportunities to recharge our groundwater, and the use of artifical turf is in direct opposition to this goal.

Drinking Water: As Artificial Turf ages and breaks down, it pollutes our soil and water with microplastics and PFAS. Pasadena's drinking water is excellent, we have so much to be proud of with our treatment center, and recent testing showed that PFAS are not currently detected in our water. But the continued use of artificial turf will make that more difficult to maintain, and the dangers of both microplastic and PFAS are well-documented.I urge you to protect the future of Pasadena's water supply, and vote to BAN the continued use of Artificial Turf in our parks and athletic fields.

Thank you,Heather Robb
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Public comment on artificial turf
From Suzanne York
Date Tue 3/24/2026 7:48 AMTo Gao, Beilei <[email protected]> >
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To the Members of the Pasadena Municipal Services Committee, I am writing to respectfully urge you to reject any current or future artificial turf projects in Pasadenaincluding new installations, replacements, and maintenance contracts.

As more data emerges, concerns about the health and environmental risks of artificial turf continue togrow. Artificial turf is not simply "plastic grass"- it is a complex system made up of synthetic fibers, infill (often crumb rubber from recycled tires), and chemical treatments. Studies have identified hundreds of chemicals in these materials, including polycydic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, and PFAS, so-called "forever chemicals"-many of which are known carcinogens, neurotoxicants, and endocrine disruptors.PFAS in particular are deeply concerning. These chemicals persist in the environment and in our bodies, and have been linked to immune dysfunction, developmental harm, and increased cancer risk. Artificial turf also contributes to microplastic pollution, contaminates surrounding soil and waterways through runoff, and creates hotter surface temperatures that can endanger users.

While some studies suggest limited direct evidence of harm, the scientific consensus is clear on onecritical point: there are significant gaps in long-term health research, especially regarding cumulative exposure, particularly for children, who are more vulnerable. In the face of such uncertainty, the precautionary principle should guide public decision-making.

At the same time, Pasadena has not fully explored the potential of natural turf as a viable, forward- looking alternative. Advances in turfgrass science, such as the work being done at the University of California, Irvine, are developing more resilient, drought-tolerant grass systems that can dramatically reduce water use while maintaining durability. These innovations offer a path toward fields that are not only safer and cooler, but also more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective over their full lifecycle.

Real grass fields provide natural cooling, support biodiversity, avoid plastic waste, and eliminate the ongoing exposure to synthetic chemicals. With proper investment and modern management practices, they can meet Pasadena's recreational needs without placing our children, our communities, and our environment at unnecessary risk.
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Pasadena has long been a leader in environmental stewardship. This is an opportunity to lead againby choosing solutions that prioritize health, sustainability, and long-term fiscal responsibility.I urge you to do the only right thing: reject artificial turf projects and commit to exploring and investing in safer, natural alternatives.Respectfully,
Suzanne York, resident, District 2 and member of Pasadena Environmental Advisory Commission httna-//niitlnnl(nffif.Rfnm/mail/inhny/tri/AAkAI_oAAAAAAHYODEaDmEc2bvACaAC%2FEWaOA3H%2Bnm4To90vV%2B7YkwvQD7aABNiwDKAAA?naU.. 2/2 3/24/26, 9:15 AM Inbox - Gao, Beilei - Outlook
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Letter to the Municipal Services Committee for 3/24/26 meeting From Vanessa Alexander
Date Tue 3/24/2026 9:12 AM
To cityclerk <[email protected]>
B 1 attachment (43 KB)
Artificial Turf Athletic Fields Letter.VWA.3.24.26 (4).pdf; You don't often get email from sarn why this is important [A] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know thecontent is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DoIT portal.

Please find attached my letter in support of the Environmental Advisory Commission'srecommendations regarding artificial turf on Pasadena's athletic fields. httDS://outlook.ofRce.com/mail/none/id/AAkALaAAAAAAHYQDEaDmEc2bvACoAC%2FEWaOAcll4tvWJHOu01nZCPBankAAHos7h.(iAAA?nativRVerRlnn 1/1 Municipal Services Committee
RE: Artificial Turf Athletic Fields at City ParksMarch 24, 2026 Dear Members of the Municipal Services Committee,
I am writing to express my strong support for the recommendations of the Environmental Advisory Commission regarding the use of artificial turf in the City of Pasadena. As a Pasadena resident and mother of two children actively participating in sports (AYSO, Pasadena SouthwestLittle League, and high school cross country and track) - I have avidly followed reports on the health and environmental dangers presented by the adoption of artificial turf.However, you don't need to read the reports to understand just how miserable it is for thechildren (and their families) when natural grass is replaced by artificial turf. Games are routinelycanceled (or playing periods shortened) due to extreme heat on the field. Even when the threshold for cancellation is not met, the experience is brutal. An 80-degree game on grass is delightful, but on turf it is trying and the impact is compounded as the temperature rises.

At track meets, coaches race to claim any available patches of grass to place the team pop-up tent to try to mitigate heat exposure throughout the day. At a February track meet (temperatures in the mid-SOs) my son had to wait on the turf field in the midday sun for almost an hour beforehis race and suffered from heat exhaustion.

The abrasion risk is all too real- a fall or slide on turf (a weekly occurrence when your childplays goalie) causes a scrape akin to road rash which needs to be scrubbed out vigorously toavoid potential infection from myriad substances.

The crumb rubber fill and plastic blades don't just stay on the field-they come home in shoes, socks, and shin guards. They are all over my car, in my laundry, and on my driveway where they wash into the storm drainage system and pollute local waterways and the ocean.Artificial turf fields promise increased playability and reduced water usage with minimal risk. In reality, turf may prevent a few weeks of rainouts, but extreme heat makes many days, especially in our warmer months, unsafe or miserable to play. Our children deserve safer surfaces to playon: real grass is better for their health and our environment.

Thank you for considering the Environmental Advisory Committee's recommendations and prioritizing the health and safety of Pasadena's children and the well-being of our sharedenvironment.Sincerely, Vanessa Alexander
Pasadena, CA 91105
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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 thatexacerbate 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 turffields 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 anincreasingly long part of each year, it increases the risk of heat-related illness for youth and adultathletes 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 plasticmaterials 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'shottest, highest-need neighborhoods with access to real turf.

We respectfully urge the Committee to adoptturf fields. moratorium on new and replacement artificial
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Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
The Reutimann FamilyPasadena 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 theEnvironmental Advisory Commission. It has come to my attention that the City of Pasadena isconsidering replacing artificial turf with more artificial turf. Frankly, I am shocked that the Citywould 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 cooldown 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 providehabitat 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
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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 PMTo 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 fcnowthecontent is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
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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).

SHPFt 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 ofburns, 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 httDS://ouUook.office.com/mailflnbox/id/AAkALaAAAAAAHYQDEaomEc2bvACaAC%2FEWaOA3H%2Bnm4To90vV%2BrtT(WvOo7aABNiwOKOAA'?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 sheds2 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."tt 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 significantwaste, 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 choicefor all who live in and visit Pasadena.

Respectfully submitted,
Dianne Woelke MSN, Board Member
Safe Healthy Playing Fields, Inc.
https://www.safehealthyp!ayingfields.org
SHPFI is an all-volunteer nonprofit 501-c-3
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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 fromcredible 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 tochronic 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 breastfeedingwomen. 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 collectlandfill leachates, surface runoff, and residential and commercial wastewater cfo 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 bioavailability of toxic fumes and particulate matter, and laments "smallexceedences." The public health department acknowledges that "more studies would be helpful" and careful study is warranted to assess long term impact. Cancer? Asthma? httDS://OUtl(»k-offimEnm/mall/lnhoifAri/AAkAlnA&AAAAHYOnFnnmFr-9hvAP^An<^9PPWnnASMV«9Rnm4TnQnuV°/.9R7Vkun»nr>7riARMiu>nPA&A'?naH in 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 0/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 actuallyabsurd 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 toenvironmental 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 andcreates a heat island effect. The last thing we need in heat-threatened Pasadena, especially in centraland 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 scientificinformation about AF.

Indeed the politics of AF is worrisome. The Cal EPA report cited by the Pasadena Public Health Deptwas 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 emitgreenhouse gasses? And the amount of GHGs from AF is appreciable. AF is made from petroleum-based materials likepolyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. The production of synthetic fibers and backing requires highhttr>c.//niitlr>r>l/nffi^arnm/mail/inhnv/if1/&AI<-AlnAAAAAAHYOnFanmFr:7ht/Ar/iAGO/,2FEWaOA3H%2Bnm4To90vV%2B7YkwvQD7aABNiwOPAAA?nati.. 2/3 3/24/26,1:18 PM Inbox - Gao, Beilei - OuUook
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 <[email protected]>; Lyon, Jason <[email protected]> You don't often get email from Lea rn why this is important [A] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know thecontent 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 hotthey will literally burn your feet. I know, because I stepped on one once, in sandals. Bad idea.

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 significantwaste, 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 Lev! 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 <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.

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 bums, 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 fieldsprovide 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 futureproof choice for our community.

Sincerely,
Levi Brewster
httDS://OUUook-OfRce.COm/maiWnbQxrid/AAkALnAAAAAAHYOnFanmFn9hvAr^AC%9FRWnOA3H<>/»'»RnmATnOnuU»/.'»RT wwnn7nARNhunYn&A9nati 1M 3/24/26, 2:39 PM Inbox - Gao. Beilei - Outlook
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MSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields From Greg Apodaca
Date Tue 3/24/2026 2:39 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>Cc Hampton, Tyron <[email protected]>; Cole, Rick <[email protected]>,· Jones, Justin <j[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 thecontent 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 bums, 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 stormwatersystem, 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,
Greg Apod a caChief Explorer
Community 3.0x
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MSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields From Pilar Reynaldo >
Date Tue 3/24/2026 2:54 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
Cc Hampton, Tyron <[email protected]>; Cole, Rick <[email protected]>; Jones, Justin <[email protected]>; Lyon, Jason <[email protected]> nfou don't often get email from'
https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderldentification ]
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Dear Mlembers 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.

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, supportbiodiversity, 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,
Pilar Reynaldo
hH-nfHruiUnnt- nfflna «nm/mall/inhnv/!rl/AAI^AI riAAAAAAUV(->nE:a><»nC».'lk>.Ar»nAna/-OCCtA'nnA'aUII/-1D.,n.^T.<On..l<0/10TU'l—^>~T-*Okl!...t:-<->*«1—»! <•/< 3/24/26, 3:07 PM Mail - Gao, Beilei - Outlook
^ OutlookMSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields From Terry Saucier
Date Tue 3/24/2026 3:02 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 thecontent 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 am a member of a 60+ coalition that is seeking a ban on new and replacement installations of artificial turf across all applications due to its negative impacts on humanhealth, the environment and wildlife. I urge you to place a moratorium on the use of artificial turf fields in Pasadena parks and city facilities and prioritize nature-basedsolutions - California native plants and drought-tolerant grasses that use less water, are more cost effective, can meet playable hours needed, thrive in our climate, recharge ourgroundwater, and provide food and habitat for local wildlife.

Sincerely,
Terry Saucier
SoCal Stop Artificial Turf Task Force, ChairCoalition Artificial Turf Letter - please share L^l .*^--»^< nkli.-.c-»..-A *<^—-Ai
iK Outlook
re: Agenda Item 1 on Municipal Services Committee meeting on June 23, 2026 From Myung-Soo SeoV
Date Mon 6/22/2026 5:50 PM
To cityclerk <[email protected]>; Bernard, Nicole (Distt) <[email protected]>; DerBoghossian, Megheti <[email protected]>; Barrios, Lisa<[email protected]>; Thyret, Pam <[email protected]> Cc RobertSmith<' .TonyTrinidad _.,_._„-_-.., ; Stephanie Van Slomski ; Vince Ramos • ; Matt W'
Peter Escalera ••
1 6 attachments (6 MB)
City of Pasadena opposition letter final draftdocx; TCG Ftyer_DC36_ClientReview.pdf; Turf Temperature_TenCate O525.pdf; 2026 natural grass synthetic cost comparison.pdf; PFAS Fact Sheet_Finat (1).pdf; TenCate PFAS Statement_1.9.24 (1).pd^ Some people who received this message 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 thecontent is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button (PAB). For more information about the PAB view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.

On behalf of the Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36, we would like to resubmit our previous letter andseveral supporting documents for our argument for supporting synthetic turf of support for synthetic turf replacement at Villa Parke and Robinson Park.

As we have stated at City Council meeting previously, current arguments against synthetic turf are based on much dated facts and technology. There are cutting edge sustainability technology that are in use in dealing with PFAS, heat mitigation and recycling. There are synthetic turf products that do not use PFAS in its manufacturing process. In addition, when comparing cost and usable hours of natural versus synthetic turf, you will clearly see that synthetic turf products allow the children and student athletes to have more hours of use.

In closing, we heard that there may be a possibility for the City of Pasadena to consider a citywide ban of synthetic turf. We strongly oppose this as a union that represents the professional installers of synthetic turf. We would consider this type of ban to be a job killer for our members that is not warranted.

We look forward to continuing this conversation during the MSC meeting on June 23, 2026.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best,
Myung-Soo Seok, on behalf of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36 M2 Strategies
*a^
^
1NE UNION
SI»£
Painters & Allied TradesDistrict Council 36
Luis F. RabiesBusiness Manager

DRYWALL FINISHERS, FLOORLAYERS, GLAZIERS, PAINTERS, TRADESHOW & SIGNCRAFT June 4, 2025
Mayor Victor GordoCity Councilmember Tyron HamptonCouncilmember Rick Cole Councilmember Justin JonesCoimcilmember Gene MasudaCouncilmember Jason Lyon Re: Proposed Ban on Artificial Turf in City of Pasadena Dear Mayor Gordo and Councilmembers:Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the discussion of ban of synthetic turf in Pasadena.We are a labor union that represents workers that install synthetic turf throughout California.While we appreciate the genuine concerns that the members of the City Council have, an outrightban of synthtic turf is both irresponsible and unnecessary in alleviating environmental concerns. Inparticular, there seems to be an assumption that all artificial turf manufactured with same materialsand that is not the case. Case in point is the artificial grass manufactured by TenCate.TenCate is the leading manufacturer of artificial turf in the world. Their artificial turf has proactively eliminated PFAS materials in 2023 before any PFAS legislation has been passed. This eliminates widespread concern ofPFAS impact on the environment.In order to address the concern of harmful chemicals leeching into the ground water, TenCateeliminated rubber infill with GeoCool infill which is made from a renewable inorganic mineralthat is 100% renewable and non-toxic. Other organic and natural infills made with cork or walnut shells have been incorporated.

In addressing temperature of the artificial grass, TenCate has incorporated non-toxic and naturalmaterials that cool down the artificial grass that does not use water. This leads to millions ofgallons of water being conserved each year. These materials allow the current models of syntheticturf to reduce temperature on the field. You can see from the study that we are enclosing with this letter, you will see that the difference between natural grass and current synthetic turf is not great.

Finally, TenCate is actively recycling end of life artificial turf. TenCate is the first in United States to recycle old synthetic turn into feedstock that can be used to create new turf and other products.

While we commend the Councilmembers for initiating this important discussion about the impact of synthetic grass on the environment, an outright ban will lead to loss of small businesses and jobs that were encouraged to be created during our drought crisis. Our union will lose thousands of jobs throughout California if such ban is passed throughout the state.

Rather than banning an entire industry, implementation of thoughtful regulation of eliminatinghannful materials and creating an industry standard should be considered. In fact, such discussions are taking place in many municipalities in State of CA, including in the City of LosAngeles.

We look forward to speaking with you as you prepare to hear this issue in your future City Councilmeeting.

I can be reached at
Thank you.
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Tony De Trinidad
Government Affairs Representative
International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 36 1155 Corporate Center Drive, Monterey Park, CA 91754 TEL: J626) 584-9925 FAX: {626) 584-1949 APSE
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REGULATE TURF. DON'T BAN IT.

PROTECT JOBS, PLAY, AMD COWIMUNITY ACCESS
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2000+
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$52.2 billion
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SYNTHETIC TURF PROVIDES CRITICAL ACCESS TOPLAY WHERE WATER AMD SPACE ARE LIMITED. • Supports thousands of jobs
• Offers 2000+ hours of play annually versus 800-1200
from natural grass1
• Directly contributes to a $52.2 billion sports tourism industry2 i@:
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A natural grass field is more resource-heavy
than turf: it needs up to 2 inches of water a
week3, (that's-1,008,000 gallons per year)and 87-217 poundsof nitrogen fertilizer per 1^)00 square feet peryear"

REGULATIONS CAN KEEP CONCERNS AT BAY AND TURF IN PLAV
Let's work towards better turf - recyclable, PFAS-free, with no infill - and keep jobs and play in our communities.

PROBLEM REALITY
Rubber infill Alternatives to rubber infill exist, like coconut or cork, and some top performing fields don't require infill5 at all.

PFAS exposure This OEHHA study6 found no significant health risks from exposure to synthetic turf. PFAS are also found innatural grass fields due to fertilizers and pesticides.

Plastic waste Turf is not single use like plastic packaging; it can offer years of community benefits. Recycling technologies are advancing but require policy support.

Microplastics Fiber loss varies by system type, maintenance, and age. Emerging data shows lower shedding ininfill-free systems.

SOLUTION
Incentivize alternative and no-infillsystems in new installs.

Prohibit added PFAS in synthetic turf and
natural fields.Require systems to be designed for recycling andmandate end-of-life recycling plans.Establish monitoring standards, maintenancerequirements, and clear replacement thresholds. 'https://www.paloalto.gov/f]les/assets/public/v/1/community-sen/ices/2025-08-13-reduced-size-forposting-paio-alto-turf-athletic-fields-draft.pdf2 https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/report-sports-related-travel-generated-52-2-billion-impact-i n-2023 3https://safesportsfields.cals.comell.edu/routine-care/watering/ 4 https://mda.maryland.gov/siteassets/pages/fertilizer/tt119.pdf5https;//geosurfaces.com/pivot-by-tencate/°https://oehha.ca.gov/sites/default/files/media/2025-03/DraftTurfReport031325.pdf 5$TENCATE
Heat and Temperature
Impacts of Synthetic Turf
Prepared for New York City
Department of Parks & Recreation
by Dr. Colin Young, PhD | TenCate Grass
736 Market St. Suite 1700, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Page 1 ^TENCATE
Table of Contents
Introduction
Thermal Characteristics of Turf
Cooling Technologies and Modem Innovations
Heat Stress (not only Surface Temperatures)
Urban Heat Island (UHI)
Policy Implications and Future Research
Conclusion
References
Appendix
345678910
11 736 Market St. Suite 1700, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Page 2 ^TENCATE
Heat and Temperature Impacts of Synthetic Turf
Introduction
Synthetic turf fields have become a popular solution for recreational, educational, and sports facilities due to their ability to provide consistent play surfaces and significantly higher availability than natural grass. Unlike grass fields, which are often closed due to drought, rain, poor drainage, or recovery time, turf fields can withstand intensive use. A growing body of research from municipal parks departments and public agencies supports the operational and economic benefits of synthetic turf:

A study from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and field audits by San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRPD) report synthetic fields offer 2,000-3,000 hours of annual availability, compared to 300- 816 hours for natural grass, depending on maintenance schedules and regional climate.

City of New York Parks & Recreation reported that synthetic fields provided 5 to 8 times more usable hours per year and enabled year-round programming.

These benefits are particularly valuable in hot, arid, or drought-affected regions where natural grass cannot survivewithout excessive irrigation. However, the expansion of turf has raised important questions about thermal performance, especially in hot climates. This document examines the thermal characteristics of synthetic turf, itscontributions to heat stress and the urban heat island effect and compares traditional turf systems with modern cooling solutions using peer-reviewed studies, municipal research, and laboratory testing data.Unlike natural grass, which maintains a relatively stable and cool surface temperature through evapotranspiration, traditional synthetic turf Lacks organic moisture regulation mechanisms. As a result, legacy turf surfaces can reachextreme temperatures during sunny weather, often exceeding the ambient air temperature by more than 30°C (86°F).

Studies have recorded surface temperatures on traditional synthetic turf as high as 62.5°C (144.5°F), whereas adjacent natural grass remained under 37°C (98.6°F). In sunny climates such as Arizona, Texas, and Southern California, synthetic turf fields have been recorded at temperatures above 70°C (158°F), making them hazardous for direct human contact.

White some older synthetic turf systems, particularly those using dense, black SBR rubber infill, have been shown to reach high surface temperatures, it is important to recognize that not all turf systems are the same. Advances inmaterials science and system engineering have produced a new generation of synthetic turf fields that perform far better in terms of thermal regulation. Modern systems utilize cooling infills made from GeoCoot, cork, mineral blends; or innovative system design such as non-performance infill turf like Pivot™ or water storage under the field. Thesefeatures significantly reduce surfacetemperatures and, more importantly, lowerWet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings, bringing heat stress risk levels close to those observed on natural grass fields under the same environmentalconditions.

This distinction is essential for public health and policy. Evaluating synthetic turf as a monolithic category can Lead to misleading conclusions about heat safety. In reality, a well-designed, modern synthetic turf system can offer both the durability and high usage benefits of turf and the thermal safety characteristics associated with natural grass. As municipalities, schools, and sports organizations consider future installations, they should demand thermal performance data, especially WBGT assessments, and prioritize systems that actively manage surface heat. With the right design choices, synthetic turf can be both safe and sustainable, even in hot climates. 736 Market St. Suite 1700, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Page 3 ^TENCATE
Thermal Characteristics of TurfThe primary cause of heat build-up in synthetic turf systems is solar radiation. Unlike natural grass, which uses moisture and evapotranspiration to cool its surface, synthetic turf lacks any biological mechanisms for heatdissipation. Instead, it absorbs solar energy through its plastic fibers, rubber or polymeric infill, and underlying baselayers. This absorbed energy is stored in the materials and gradually re-radiated as heat, causing surface temperatures to rise, especially under direct sunlight
Material choice plays a pivotal role in the thermal behavior of turf. Polyethylene, the most common yarn material usedin turf fibers, has low thermal conductivity and high heat retention, meaning it traps heat rather than disperses it.

Traditional SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) infill is particularly problematic due to its dark color and tow reflectivity,which makes it highly efficient at absorbing infrared energy. Moreover, SBR has low emissivity and thermal diffusivity,which means it stores heat and releases it slowly, even after the sun has gone down. This creates a thermal lag effect, where the surface remains dangerously hot welt into the evening.

Other design elements also influence heat accumulation. Turf density, pile height, and infill depth can increase thesurface area exposed to sunlight, further intensifying heat absorption. Underneath, impermeable or compacted baseLayers inhibit airflow, reducing opportunities for convective cooling. In contrast, modern systems that includebreathable pads, reflective pigments, and lighter infills (such as cork or mineral-based alternatives) offer significantimprovements in both surface temperature and subsurface heat dynamics.Understanding these thermal dynamics is critical when evaluating the health and safety implications of synthetic turfinstallations. It also highlights why legacy systems with high-heat materials must not be conflated with today's engineered solutions, which are increasingly designed with thermal performance and heat stress mitigation in mind.

Betow are some examples of recent innovations to mitigate the heat of turf. 736 Market St. Suite 1700, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Page 4 5?TENCATE
Cooling Technologies and Modern Innovations
To address the longstanding concern of excessive heat buildup on synthetic turf, manufacturers have developed avariety of innovations aimed at significantly lowering surface temperatures and improving heat stress performance.

One of the most effective areas of advancement has been the development of alternative infill materials. Traditional black SBR rubber infill is known for its high heat retention, but modern infills, such as cork, coconut husk, wood fiber,and mineral-based blends, have much lower thermal mass and higher emissivity. These properties allow them to absorb less heat during the day and release it more efficiently, resulting in a measurable reduction in both surface temperature and underlying heat stress.

Among these, GeoCool® infill has shown particularly promising results. Designed from natural mineral compounds, GeoCool is engineered to remain cooler than traditional infills by resisting heat absorption and facilitating evaporativecooling when moisture is present. Field testing has demonstrated that turf systems using GeoCool can achieve surface temperatures up to 30^10°F (17-22°C) cooler than comparable fields with SBR infill. When paired with breathable underlayers and high-albedo turf fibers, these systems show WBGT levels close to those recorded on natural grass fields, even in warm climates.

In addition to infill innovation, yarn technology has advanced significantly. Use of pigments and materials with higher solar reflectance (albedo), reducing the amount of solar radiation converted into heat. Yarn shape also plays a role,textured or ribbed fibers can reduce the surface area directly exposed to the sun and improve airflow between the blades, helping to disperse heat more effectively.

A parallel trend in the industry is the rise of non-infill systems, which eliminate the need for loose particles altogether such as Pivot™. This system often relies on dense, structured turf piles combined with integrated padding layers for shock absorption and play performance. By removing the infill, particularly heat-retaining rubber, these systems avoidone of the primary drivers of extreme surface temperatures. Non-infiLL turf systems are increasingly paired withevaporative base layers or capillary irrigation systems, particularly in European cities focused on sustainability and climate resilience.

Together, these innovations represent a significant leap forward in managing the thermal behavior of synthetic turf.

When properly selected and designed, these systems provide a surface that remains far cooler than legacy rubberfilled fields, making them more comfortable and safer for athletes, children, and the broader public. These are not concepts but have been used successful for several years all around the USA.

Other interesting innovations in urban research from the Netherlands (KWR Water Research Institute and City of Amsterdam) showed that new cooling turf systems can significantly reduce this, bringing peak surface temperatures close to natural grass levels by integrating subsurface water storage and evaporative cooling. Subsurface Capillary Irrigation Systems: Pioneered in Amsterdam, these systems store water beneath the field and use passive evaporation to reduce surface temperature significantly.
736 Market St. Suite 1700, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Page 5 ^TENCATE
Heat Stress (not only Surface Temperatures)Understanding heat stress requires more than just measuring how hot a surface gets. While peak surfacetemperatures on synthetic turf can be very high, especially on older systems with rubber infill, heat stress itself is a more complex condition influenced by multiple environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solarradiation. In the United States, the most widely accepted and scientifically validated tool for assessing heat stress insports and outdoor environments is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index.

The WBGT is not the same as the regular air temperature. Instead, it combines measurements of ambient temperature, humidity, radiant heat (from sunlight), and wind speed into a single number that reflects the actual thermal stress on the human body. High humidity, for example, limits the body's ability to cool itself through sweating, which makes even moderate temperatures more dangerous. WBGT helps coaches, athletic trainers, schools, and parks departmentsmake informed decisions about when it's safe to be active outdoors, regardless of whether the field is made of turf ornatural grass.National organizations like the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) recommend using WBGT thresholds to guide sports practice, games, and outdoor activities, especially for children and adolescents who are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Many states, including Georgia and Texas, have adopted mandatory WBGT monitoring protocols for high school sports, requiring activity modifications, hydration breaks, or cancellations when WBGT levels reach high or extreme zones.In simple terms, WBGT offers a real-world snapshot of heat risk, notjust a number on a thermometer. It considers howhard the body has to work to cool itself, based on actual environmental conditions. This is why modern turf systems should not be judged solely on peak surface temperature. Instead, systems should be evaluated on how they affect overall heat stress, including WBGT outcomes during peak-use times. Fortunately, as covered above, many of today's advanced turf systems using alternative infills, lighter yarns, and cooling designs now show WBGT values that closelymatch or even improve upon natural grass fields. 736 Market St. Suite 1700, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Page 6 •a
5$TENCATE
Urban heat island (UHI)
The urban heat island (UHI) effect describes how urban environments become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to the widespread use of heat-absorbing surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and dark roofing materials.

Traditional synthetic turf systems, especially those that use black SBR rubber infill, can contribute to this problem by absorbing and re-radiating large amounts of solar energy, leading to elevated surface and ambient temperatures in their immediate vicinity.

However, it is important to recognize that not all turf contributes equally to the heat island effect. Modern synthetic turf systems have been specifically engineered to reduce their thermal impact. By replacing rubber infill with lightcolored, low-heat materials such as cork, wood blends, or mineral-based alternatives, and by using reflective yarns and breathable base layers, these systems significantly lower surface temperatures. Some newer designs alsoincorporate subsurface irrigation or passive cooling layers that mimic the cooling function of natural grass through evaporation, further reducing their contribution to localized heating.

Field research has shown that wetl-designed cooling turf systems can perform comparably to, or even better than, other urban surfaces like sand-fi lied tennis courts or light-colored concrete in terms of thermal load. Importantly, while legacy rubber-based fields may amplify the UHI effect, modern turf can act as a neutral or even mitigating surface when part of a thoughtfully designed urban landscape.When evaluating the environmental impact of synthetic turf, it's essential to distinguish between outdated systems that elevate urban heat and innovative systems that are actively engineered to counteract it. With the right materials and design features, synthetic turf can be a sustainable, heat-conscious solution for urban recreation areas.

Did you know:While it's true that turf is often warmer than natural grass, its surface temperature is generally lower than many other urban surfaces, such as asphalt, hard tennis courts, and various types of playgrounds and equipment.

SurfaceTempreature Turf(Rubber) Turf (Pivot) Road (asphalt) Painted Tennis Court(Green)
Safety Surface ChildsPlayground (Blue)
Playground Slide(Metal)
Min 85 87 88 89 88 85
Mean 114 108 121 118 119 122Max 135 121 142 139 133 145 Note: temperatures measured on a range of surface types on the same day all locations within 10 miles 736 Market St. Suite 1700, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Page 7 5^TENCATE
Policy Implications and Future Research
The widespread use of turf in public settings necessitates clearer national-level guidelines for heat exposure. Whitevoluntary standards and local protocols exist, there is no unified federal approach to synthetic turf heat safety in the United States.

Recommendations include:1. Mandating WBGT-based monitoring for all turf sports events.2. Designing turf systems with proven cooling technologies and reduced WBGT heat stress levels.3. Updating building codes and urban development policies to address Uhll impact from large-scale artificial turfinstallations using WBGT data.

4. Funding continued research into materials science for low-heat polymers and sustainable infill.

5. Balancing usability, water conservation, and heat safety. 736 Market St. Suite 1700, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Page 8 $$TENCATE
ConclusionThe conversation around heat and synthetic turf is often oversimplified, focusing narrowly on surface temperature alone. While surface temperature is important, especially in the case of outdated turf systems that used black rubber infill, it does not provide a complete picture of heat risk. Heat stress is a multifactoriat condition, influenced by humidity, wind, solar radiation, and surface properties, all of which are captured in the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index. This index is already used widely across the United States to guide decisions in youth sports and outdoor activity settings and should be the primary reference toolfor evaluatingfield safety, regardless of surface type.

What is clear from current evidence is that modern turf systems are fundamentally different from legacy products. Advances in infill composition, yarn materials, reflective coatings, and integrated cooling mechanisms mean that today's best-performing synthetic turf fields can match or even outperform natural grass when it comes to thermal safety. WBGT measurements from controlled field tests consistently show that properly engineered turf systems remain within safe zones under the same conditions where older systems exceed critical thresholds.

At the same time, this issue is not binary. The discussion should not be reduced to "turf vs. grass," but rather focused on performance, safety, and climate adaptability. Natural grass offers valuable ecological functions, but it also struggles in areas with water scarcity, high usage demands, or poor soil quality. Synthetic turf, when thoughtfully designed and maintained, can be a safe, sustainable solution, especially when paired with smart design strategies that address cooling and end-of-life impacts.

Further research is both necessary and valuable, not to delay progress, but to guide it. Policymakers, urban planners, and sports authorities should invest in comparative WBGT data to ensure decisions are based on science, not assumptions. The goal should not simply be to avoid heat, but to create safe, resilient outdoor spaces that serve people, protect public health, and respond to the realities of a changing climate. 736 Market St. Suite 1700, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Page 9 5?TENCATE
References1. Duffie JA, Beckman WA. Solar engineering of thermal processes. 4th ed. Hoboken (NJ): Wiley; 2013.

2. McNittAS, Petrunak DM. Evaluation of playing surface characteristics of various in-filled systems. University Park (PA): Penn State Center for Sports Surface Research; 2008.

3. Devitt DA, Fenstermaker LF, Young MH. Surface temperature, heat loading and spectral reflectance of artificial turfgrass. J Turfgrass Sports Surf Sci. 2007;83:68-81.

4. Grundstein A, Cooper E, Ferrara M, Knox JA. Prevalence of exertional heat stroke related policies for high school football players in the United States. Kinesiol Rev. 2015;4(3):209-17.

5. Haselbach L. The engineering guide to LEED—New construction: Sustainable construction for engineers. New York (NY):McGraw Hill; 2010.

6. TenCate Grass. Temperature insights: USA turf research - August 2024. Internal Report. 2024.7. KWR Water Research Institute; Municipality of Amsterdam. Smart sports field cooling via capillary irrigation: Case study report. Nieuwegein (NL): KWR; 2023.

8. San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. Synthetic vs. natural turf field analysis. San Francisco (CA):

SFRPD;2012.

9. New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Synthetic turf usage guidelines. New York (NY): NYC Parks; 2013.

10. Brigham Young University. Surface temperature of synthetic vs. natural turf fields. Provo (UT): BYU;2006.11. American Academy of Pediatrics. Climatic heat stress and exercising children and adolescents: Policy statement.

Pediatrics. 2011 ;128(3):e741 -47.

12. National Athletic Trainers' Association. Exertional heat illnesses position statement. J Athl Train. 201 5;50(9):986- 1000.13. Oke TR. Boundary layer climates. 2nd ed. London (UK): Routtedge; 1987.

14.CengeLYA. Heat and mass transfer: A practical approach. 3rd ed. New York (NY): McGraw Hill; 2007.15. Katman P, Anis H. Thermal diffusivity of rubber materials. Polym Test. 2019;76:27-34.16. Berdahl P, Bretz SE. Preliminary survey of the solar reflectance of cool roofing materials. Energy Build. 1997:25(2):149-58.
736 Market St. Suite 1700, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Page 10 $I?TENCATE
Appendix: Data
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736 Market St. Suite 1 700, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Page 11 aa
S^TENCATE
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The Facts on TurfSay to unnecessary turf bans and restrictiQns. ,-Vi
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Eliminating turf doesn't make sense.There have been numerous studies by government agencies, and there is not one single study citing health risks of artificial turf. hlere is a partiallist of agencies that have conducted studies citing no elevated healthrisk from artificial turf:

The United States Environmental Protection AgencyThe US Consumer Product Safety CommissionThe US Centers for Disease Control Netherlands National Institute ofhlealth and Environment The European Chemicals Agency
Connecticut Department of Public Health
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••
Restricting turf doesn't make sense. While concerns have been voiced aboutPFAS content in turf, microplastics, heat island effect and recyclability, the latest generation of turf already alleviates these issues. Here are some facts to know:

Turf is not a significant exposure point to PFAS. Importantly, TenCate manufactures turf without PFAS! Other brands of turf typically contain 100parts per million or less (ppm).Many daily use items have far more PFAS content than turf.

Dental floss: up to 248,900 ppm
Prescription medications: up to 50,000 ppmMakeup: up to 6,000 ppm "Natural" grass often requires fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides that maycontain — or even be classified as — PFAS. Easily transported by irrigationand rain, they can enter soil and waterways, potentially contaminating precious and limited drinking water.

There is absolutely NO evidence that any PFAS in water sources has ever come from turf. However, it is a certainty that there are PFAS in watersources that have come from chemicals used to maintain natural grass. •
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Microplastics
New generations of turf don't have infill. This eliminates migration of infill materials and reduces microplastic shedding to negligible amounts without the abrasion that causes fiber breakdown.

Heat Island Effect
Our newest turf, Pivot®, requires NO infill and hence does not act as a heat sink like traditional artificial turf fields with tons of rubber infill. Further, technologies like TenCate's GeoCool™ cooling additive can lower turf temperatures significantly. GeoCool absorbs moisture to keep the surface cool; additionally, it is both natural and renewable making it very sustainable.

Recyclability
With advanced recycling technology, turf is now 100% recyclable and can be turned into new, consumer-grade products. On top of that, turf offers some meaningful benefits.

Here are some facts around what we stand to lose if
access to turf is restricted:
•Water
Many areas around the country have water restrictions. Natural grass requires an enormous amount of water.

Artificial turf saves between 500,000 to one million gallons of water per field per year. With over 20,000 turfed sports fields in the US, that's approximately 10-20 billion gallons of water saved annually.

Play
Without turf, our communities lose access to playing fields and will need to depend on natural fields. Grass fields are likely going to go unmaintained during droughts, which will make them unplayable and possibly dangerous to athletes.

Participation in sports increases physical, emotional and mental well- being and the likelihood of attending college. It reduces crime and decreases instances of drug use in youth. Turf democratizes play by providing sustainable and affordable play surfaces where natural grass won't work.
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Banning artificial turf WILL NOT reduce PFAS exposure in the environment and isn't needed in order to avoid microplastics or the heat island effect associated with leisure surfaces. What's worse is that it restricts access to the benefits turf provides.

Let's encourage our legislation to rethink turf bans and #ProtectPlay. ^TENCATE

PLAYING FOR KEEPS
#ProtectPlay
^TENCATE North America
January 9,2024
To our valued customers:I am extremely pleased to announce that TenCate is now manufacturing our top-of-the-line artificial grass without the use of PFAS as a component or processing aid.Our team performed an in-depth review of how we manufacture our synthetic turf. Engineers discovered a manufacturing processing aid used in fiber extrusion that contained trace levels of nonsoluble PFAS and were able to replace it with one that does not contain PFAS. To note, previous thirdparty testing showed our artificial turf had non-soluble PFAS levels that were far lower than what have been found in consumer products like dental floss and prescription medications.

We are committed to giving our customers complete peace of mind and are dedicated to making the most innovative, highest quality turf that is both safe and sustainable, and this advancement is one more pivotal way we are accomplishing our mission.

Sincerely,
^•^
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foe Fields
President and CEOTenCate Americas
j.fieldsfStencategrass.cQj'n
f Outlook
MSC 3/24 Re: Item #1
From Laura Fleming
Date Tue 6/23/2026 12:19 PMTo Gao, Beilei <[email protected]> Cc 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 thecontent is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button (PAB). For more information about the PAB view article "KB0011474"on the DolT portal.

Re: Artificial turf installations in Pasadena
Dear City of Pasadena Municipal Services Committee:My name is Laura Fleming. I'm a Pasadena resident in District 7.1 am the Environmental Sustainability Manager at Polytechnic School and also serve on the Environmental Advisory Commission.Installing, or re-installing artificial turf in any setting is not a responsible choice for Pasadena and itsresidents.

I empathize with the challenges for the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department to meet demand for playing fields. I do not, however, feel that the benefits of a few more playable days per yearwith artificial turf outweighs the public and environmental health risks.Heat • When we consider downtime due to rain, we must also evaluate downtime due to excessive heat.

When air temperatures reach 90 degrees, artificial turf temperatures are 140-170 degrees. • Geo infill may reduce temperatures but plastic turf will always be significantly hotter than natural grass.
• In March of this year, Pasadena experienced five unplayable days due to excessive heat.

Currently Pasadena has 30 days when temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher. According to a report by UCLA scientists, by 2050 Pasadena may see an additional month of temperatures higher than 95 degrees. We must plan for the future and install surfaces that help cool our City, not create more heat islands.

Costs
When the MSC evaluates costs for artificial turf vs natural grass, please take a longer view and look at projections over a 16 or 24 year period since artificial turf has a lifespan of approximately eight years. Returning a field to natural grass may initially cost as much as a new ari:ificial turf installation, but that is a one time expense due to the high cost of removing the existing synthetic system and installing irrigation. Once converted back to natural grass, there will be annual maintenance costs (for both surfaces), but artificial turf fields need to be replaced every 8 years for $1- $2 million or more, depending on the field size. At a time when the City is experiencing a budget deficit, artificial turf isn't a responsible fiscal choice.Geo infill is also more expensive - for a standard 85,000 s.f. field, this will add roughly $80,000 - $130,000 for the infill alone. I do not see these increased infill costs reflected in the stated projections for artificial turf. In fact, the original artificial turf field cost was shared by the PRCS Director at a Commission meeting on December 3, 2024 (during discussion) and has not changed since then.

PFAS
And what brand of artificial turf would be sourced that does not contain PFAS? The public deserves to know what is being proposed. Brands that are now claiming to be PFAS free are alsomore expensive.

Recyclability
Artificial turf has not been recyclable to date. The public deserves more information about these claims of recyclability.

Pasadena has been making bold decisions to mitigate our climate impacts. Why would we install and reinstall surfaces with known heat island effects and that contribute significant greenhouse gas emissions across their lifecycle through production, transport and disposal? It's time to make a responsible decision for Pasadena and reject artificial turf, developing an ordinance toban artificial turf for residential, commercial and City-owned properties.

Sincerely,
Laura Fleming
District 7
Sg Outlook
Villa Parke Turf Field — Community Member Input
From Alysa
Date Tue 6/23/20261:00PMTo Gao, Beilei <[email protected]> You don't often get email from Learnwhv this is important [A] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know thecontent is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button (PAB). For more information about -the PAB view article "KB001 1474"on the DolT portal.

To Whom It May Concern,
My children go to school and play soccer in Pasadena, and I am concerned that Pasadena's MunicipalServices Committee is being asked to replace the synthetic turf field at Villa Parke with turf instead of grass. A grass field would sen/e our community much better for many important reasons.Artificial fields release microplastics which do not break down— they break up into smaller and smaller pieces that can take centuries to eliminate. These microplastics pose serious environmentaland health threats to your constituents. I hope that when making this decision Pasadena's MSC will play the long game. Young people like my children are counting on you to prioritize giving theathletes who play at Villa Park a better future over the few minor inconveniences that come with grass fields.

My kids have played soccer in Pasadena for years with AYSO Region 13 (where I've also been a coach) and TFA and FCGS Clubs, and I know that playing on turf fields is very uncomfortable for them. The sun warms the plastic grass to high temperatures, heating the bottom of their cleats. After the games, their feet will be pink and raw from being scalded every time they take a step. It is not a fun experience. Their teams are always disappointed when we hear that a game will be played on anartificial grass field. The fans and parents are equally averse because of the sweltering heat on turf sidelines.The point of an athletic facility is to serve the athletes who play there and the community; to foster a safe and fun athletic environment. By that logic, I urge you to replace Villa Parke's turf field with real grass.

I appreciate all that you do to listen to community members who are directly affected by your choices.

Thank you for your time and consideration,Alysa Nahmias-CarmichaelConcerned Resident Outlook
EAC Letter and Pasadena Beautiful on Artificial Turf
From Lauren Siegel
Date Tue 6/23/20261:05PM
To Official Records - City Clerk <[email protected]> ffl 2 attachments (422 KB)
Pasadena Beautiful Foundation Remarks to Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting December 3.pdf; 2024-09-10 EAC Artificial Turf Memo to Council with Figure-4.pdf;
Some people who received this message 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 thecontent is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button (PAB). For more information about the PAB view article "KB0011474"on the DolT portal.

Please make sure the EAC letter on Artificial Turf and Pasadena Beautiful Letter are included on theMSC agenda for tonight.

Thanks,
Lauren SiegelLauren SiegelMS Sustainable Development and Resource ManagementPasadena Environmental Advisory Commissioner linkedin.com/in/siegell/
Pasadena Beautiful Foundation Remarks
to Recreation and Parks Commission -Review of Artificial Turf Issue December 3, 2024 Meeting
Pasadena has been an aspirational City since its creation in 1886. Founded with a focus onarchitecture, education, the arts and a love of interestingevents, Pasadena is a beautifuland multi-faceted City. We need to ensure that decisions made now to protect the assets within our City are consistent with our "history, culture and unique character" as specified in our City's Mission Statement. Our City's Vision Statement also focuses on providing "great neighborhoods and opportunities" for all.

With our historic focus on science and technology and our unique nexus to the Jet Propulsion Lab which is a global leader in evaluating environmental data, we are at the verycenter of a living laboratory that we need to continue to honor and appreciate. Notably,Pasadena has been a leader in the nation as recognizing the value of a lush canopy of treesalong our streets and in our parks. These beautiful living biosystems are valued, nurturedand protected. They are not a luxury. They are a necessity.The analysis of the desirability of robust biosystems applies equally to the green spaces in City parks we also use as athletic fields. Notably, in times gone by, all playing fields wereplanted with grass.

Let us also not ignore the fact that the Rose Bowl uses only natural turf within the stadium and will never bow to economic pressure to use artificial turf. Also, Area H within Brookside Park which is also heavily used for athletic events will never be converted to artificialturfbecause it can't be used to park vehicles. If "environmental justice" has any meaning within the City, perhaps the location of the two parks in question should be evaluated.

Last, the California State Legislature recently passed a law allowing cities to prohibit the use of artificial turf. Though that legislation did not include regulation of artificial turf in parks, it may be just a matter of time before the obvious gap is addressed. Or the City ofPasadena could become a leader in banning artificial turf citywide.For these reasons, Pasadena Beautiful Foundation lends its support to those who favor—and understand—the health benefits of natural turf over the artificial stuff.

For those who choose to focus solely on the dollars that will be needed to rehabilitate the fields in the parks, understand that the same analysis could be applied to the millions of dollars the City has expended over the decades to lovingly plant and maintain the thousands of City trees that cleanse our air, protect our soils from erosion and reduce airtemperatures. And that is just the beginning of the graceful dance between biosystems that support our very existence, hidden underneath fields of grass and the trees we Lavish withattention.

Perhaps there has never been a better time for the City of Pasadena to restate firmly and clearly that our "unique character" and our desire for "great neighborhoods" require us toact in the best interests of our environment in no uncertain terms. Restore natural turf fields to our playgrounds. Teach our children that a simple green field is a living laboratory essential for our good health and wellbeing.Respectfully submitted.

Joan Aarestad
Chair, Sustainability CommitteePasadena Beautiful Foundation Sara Edwards
PresidentPasadena Beautiful Foundation
Memorandum
To:

From:

Date;
Re:

Pasadena City Council
Environmental Advisory Commission
September 13, 2024
Recommendations and Background on Artificial Turf in the City of Pasadena

1. Executive Summarv
Piastic artificial turf (also known as "synthetic turf' or just "artificial turf"), much like fead 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 andability 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 impactsassociated 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. Dangerousheat conditions arise since artificial turf gets significantly hotter than natural grass, increasingthe urban heat island effect and leading to thermal burns and heat stress. Biodiversity loss andtree root suffocating derives from no organisms living under artificial turf. These concerns echothe historical pattern of substances initially embraced for their practicality, only to later revealserious public health and environmental consequences.

For the reasons set forth below, after several months of study, research, testimony, anddiscussion 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 thatwould put a moratorium on new installations or replacement installations of artificial turf for landscaping in residential properties, commercial andinstitutional settings.

Direct Pasadena Department of Water and Power to explore incentives and rebateprograms to remove and replace artifiGial turf in residential, commercial andinstitutional settings with drought-toterant 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 Citylandscaping.

While artificial turi: 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 ofinformation sessions about the environmental and public health safety concerns ofartificial turf playing fields, including exposure to PFAS and extreme heat conditions.Direct the Public Heafth Department to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on artificial turf to study potential adverse health impacts of artificial turf both directlyand 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, futureplanning and actions should occur to mitigate health effects from existing artificial turfinstallations.)

2. Background - 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 likeoil 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, poiypropyfene or polyethylenepellets and mixing them with other chemicals and additives to achieve desired color. Themelted mixture is shaped into strands and spun into a yarn that is then sewn into a meshmaterial.

Backing layers: These layers are derived from various types of plastics such as polyester, polyurethane, polypropylene and latex to support the blades and providestability and drainage.Infill: This granular material is spread between the blades to keep the blades uprightand provide shock absorption. The most common types of infill are rubber crumb (made from shredded end-of-life automobile tires) and sand.

3. Environmental and Public Health Concerns of Artificial Turf Installations A. Dangerous 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) 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 raisingtemperatures 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 (SeeFigure 1 of Urban Heat Island Effect at Jackie Robinson Park) Climate Change Will Make Plastic Turf Even Hotter: As globa! temperatures rise, Pasadenawill experience more frequent days above 90°F. It is critical to address how artificial turf contributes to worsening conditions.4
B. PFAS and Microplastic Pollution
Toxic "Forever Chemicals": Plastic turf contains PFAS (per- and potyfluoroalkyl 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.3 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 organiccompounds.6 Risks of Cumulative Exposure: Athletes frequently in contact with plastic turf,such as soccerplayers and goalies, face higher risks of exposure to PFAS through skin contact, inhalation, andingestion.Contamination of Water Systems: Runofffrom plastic turf fields carries PFAS into stormdrains, poliuting 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 theproblem.7 IVIicroptastic Pollution: Plastic turf blades break off over time, releasing microplastics into drainage systems and waterways. Fields using crumb rubber infill are even worse, with studiesshowing 85% of water samples near such fields contain microplastics.8 C. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Plastic Turf's Carbon Footprint: Greenhouse gasses are emitted from artificial turfcontinuously throughout its lifespan, in the extraction, storage, transportation andenergy-intensive manufacturing processes, as well as off-gassing methane and ethylene while 3 httDS://innovation.luskJn.ucia.edu/ciimate/heat-eauJtv/.4 California Healthy Places Index: Extreme Heat Edition, available at: httDs:/Zb£at,nealthvDiacesindex.ora/.5 What are the health effects of PFAS? Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, available at:
https:/7www,atsdr.edo.aov/Dfas/health-effects/inde>? html; Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS, EPA, available at:
httDS://www eDa,aov/Dfas''our-current-understand]na-human-heaith-and-environmental-risks-Df3s. 6 Health Impacts ofArtificiat Turf: Toxicity Studies, Challenges, and Future Directions, available at; httDs'//www,ncb!.nim.fiih.aQv/Dniuarticie$/PMCIQ2622Q7/. 7 "Groundbreaking study shows unaffordable costs of PFAS cleanup from wastewater,"Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, available at:
httDS:,'('www,Dca.state.mn,us/'news-and-stories,''aroundbreakJna-studv-shDws-unaffordable-costs-of-Dfas-cleaouD-from-'A'astewater. 8 (Korbol,2018).
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 C02 and asignificant contributor to global warming.

Life Cycle Emissions: A recent study10 found one artificial turf field emits 527 tons ofC02 equivaients over its life cycle.

D. Carbon 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: Pfastic 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. Pubiic Safety and Injuries
Thermal Burns: Playing on plastic turf in high heat can cause first-degree bums at 1 18°F and second-degree burns at 131 °F. Hot artificial turf can melt shoes, blister skin, and causedehydration or heatstroke.Plastic "Turf Burns": Friction injuries from sliding on plastic turf are common and can lead tobacterial infections like MRSA. Artificia! turf causes a two-to-threefoid increase in skin abrasionscompared to natural grass.11Increased Injury Rates: NCAA football players are nearly three times more likely to sufferligament tears on artificial turf than grass. NFL players also experience a 16% increase in lowerextremity injuries on artificial turf.12 F. Lack of Recvclabilitv
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. Water 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 g "Synthetic turf will contribute to greenhouse gas problems" MV Times, available at:
nttDS://www.mytime3.com/2019/02/20/3vnthetic-turf-wii!-contribute-areenhoitse-a33-Droblems/.10 "Analysis of energy use and emissions of greenhouse gasses, metals and organic substances from construction materials used for artificial turf" available at:
hiTDs://www.sciencedirect.com,''sc!ence/arttc!e/3bSi'Dii/S0921344917300861 11 (California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, 2010). 12 American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019, availabie at: httDS:,//Dubmed.ncbi.ntm.nih.aov/30995074/. 13 (Beyond Plastics, 2024).
reach 140-170'F. Water is also regularly required to remove pollution, bodily fluids, animal waste and bacteria from the surface of artificia! turf. Given these factors. the water usage for artificia! 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. Environmental Justice
Pasadena's Environmental Justice Element requires fair treatment for all residents in implementing environmentai policies. Artificial turf fields in Robinson Park and Villa Parke createurban heat islands in neighborhoods where some of Pasadena's most disadvantaged residentslive, raising utility bills and worsening health conditions for low-income communities.

4. Other IVIynicipaltties Adoj3tinci Similar Ordinances The cities of Millbrae and San Marino have already begun establishing moratoriums for new artificialturf installations. Other California cities and counties such as Los Angeles, Sunnyvaieand Santa Clara County are considering artificial turf bans.

5. Conclusion
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 orre-installations of artificial turf is not in alignment with the City of Pasadena's Climate ActionPlan 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 fonvard: 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 usagewhile the product still exists withinthe City of Pasadena. 14 httDS:/'/www.turi.ora/DubtJcatJons/artificJai-turf/.15 httDS;//'SDQrtsvenuecalculator.com/knowledae/artificial-turf-fteld/turf-field-reDlacement-and-recvclina/.

Figure 1. Villa Parke Temperatures on Artificia! Turf vs Grass on September 2nd, 2024 r
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Figure 2 (Safe Healthy Playing Fields Memo to EAC, August 2024) Heat Island over Robinson and Villa Parks synthetic turf fields extending over surrounding areas:
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Outlook
Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields From Wesley Reutimann
Date Tue 6/23/2026 2:12 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
Cc Hampton, Tyron <[email protected]>; Cole, Rick <[email protected]>,· Jones, Justin <[email protected]>; Lyon, Jason <[email protected]> [A] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know thecontent is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button (PAB). For more information about the PAB view article "KB0011474"on the DolT portal.

Dear Members of the Pasadena Municipal Services Committee, As a Pasadena resident with two children who play soccer on local fields, I urge you to place a moratorium on the use of artificial turf in Pasadena parks and city facilities.

Artificial plastic fields routinely reach temperatures of 140-180°F on hot days - conditions that are becoming more common and pose serious risks of burns, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, especially for children and athletes. 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 ourstormwater system, environment, and waterways, contributing to long-termpublic health concerns.Unlike living grass, synthetic fields provide no cooling or environmental benefits. They do not cool the air, support biodiversity, or absorb stormwater, and may worsen flooding. They also createsignificant 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,
Wesley Reutimann
Pasadena 91103
t Outlook
MSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields From Kelsy Wakefield >
Date Tue 6/23/2026 2:17 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
https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderldentification ]
Learn why this is important at
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 (PAB). For more informationabout the PAB view article "KB0011474" on the DotT 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, supportbiodiversity, 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, Outlook
MSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields From Ana Sanchez
Date Tue 6/23/2026 3:27 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
Cc Hampton, Tyron <[email protected]>; Cole, Rick <[email protected]>; Jones, Justin <j[[email protected]>; Lyon, Jason <[email protected]> F/ou don't often get email from
https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderldentification
Learn why this is important at
[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 (PAB). For more informationabout the PAB 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.

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 stormwatersystem, 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, supportbiodiversity, 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,Ana De La Torre Sent from my iPhone
9C Outlook
Special Meeting 23 June 2026, Synthetic Turf. FOR THE PUBLIC RECORD From D Woelke
Date Tue 6/23/2026 3:32 PM
To Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
I 3 attachments (10 MB)
General letter June 2026.pdf; synthetic turf flyer Spanish.pdf; Synthetic Turf flyer.pdf; 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 issafe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button (PAB). For more information about the PAB view article "KB0011474" on the DolTportal.

Dear Chair, Vice Chair, and Members of the MSC Committee:

We are writing to you today with grave concerns regarding the judgement made by the Director of Parks and Recreation is making for materials to be used in the City of Pasadena, a severe wildfire zone, as well asthe sports, or greenwashing, that has been disseminated for years, even predating tenure with the City of Pasadena.

The use of coconut coir as infill, does not mitigate the highly toxic, non-communicable diseases and evencancers known to exist with use of synthetic turf. We urge you to not ignore the abundance of peerreviewed literature, as opposed to that funded by the synthetic turf industry.To suggest that coconut coir is acceptable as infill, is beyond all credibility. Living in a severly high riskwildfire zone should shut down all conversation regarding the infill.

Additionally, coconut coir is sourced in Indonesia. Coconut shells are put in highly polluted rivers, arguablythe most polluted in the world, for 3 months. Bacteria is added, to hasten the softening, making it easier to rhett the shells- remove the insides of the brown shell. This is often undertaken by mom and pop shops with dangerous, outdated machinery, which poses a risk to the machine operator. Hands and forearms have been lost.

Further, synthetic turf is a wildfire risk. It is a fossil fuel-based plastic product. More information can be found in the attached document.
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We cannot express our alarm strongly enough, and urge you to reject synthetic turf for any use in Pasadena. A full ban is indicated. CA now has 5 cities with bans, with San Fernanda joining the list in Aprilof this year.

We also recommend an investigation into the undertakings that have occurred leading to the continuedsupport of synthetic turf by the Parks and Recreation Department, which continue to become more outrageous over time.Do the right thing for Pasadena, not for those who are trying to force a yes vote.

Dianne Woelke MSN, Board Member
Safe Healthy Playing Fields, Inc.
https://www.safehealthvDtavingfields.org
SHPFI is an all-volunteer nonprofit 501-c-3
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BEYOND PLASTICS
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June 2026
To Whom it May Concern:We, Safe Healthy Playing Fields, Inc., are writing to you about the planned installation ofsynthetic turf in your jurisdiction.ShlFPI) is an all-volunteer 501-c-3 nonprofit 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.Synthetic turf is made primarily from polyethylene, the most highly produced and discardedplastic globally.1 <t
WORRIED ABOUTPLASTIC WASTE?A synthetic turf field is the equivalent of

3.2 mjllion
plastic
bags
46 million
plasticstraws
JQO POLLUTING!!
Like plastic straws & bags...

Most synthetic turf is made from
LDPE - low density polyethylene
The most highly produced plastic
globally
The most frequently discarded
material
In 2024, SB676-Allen was enacted, allowing local jurisdictions to ban artificial tirf. A legislative analysis noted:
'...emerging research reveals that artificial turf incurs significant environmental <( 1 Dixon, D (18 Aug 2018). "Plastics aren't just polluting our oceans — they're releasing greenhouse gases. "UNADAP (United Nations Association for Development and Peace). httDS://www.unadaD.ora/Dost/Dlastics-aren-t-iust-Dollutina-our-oceans-thev-re-releasina-areenhouse-aase problems through pollution, chemical run-off, and lack of recyclability... [contain] PFAS, and have been linked to numerous health problems including cancer, kidney and liverdamage, birth defects, and harm to children 's health.'To date, the cities of Millbrae,3 San Marino,4 Carmel,5 San Fernando,6 and Beverly hlills7 haveenacted ordinances regarding synthetic turf. A growing number other cities are considering thesame.Climate Chanse / Extreme Heat:
((, "Every Key Climate Indicator is Flashing Red. Humanity has just endured the 11 hottest years of record. When history repeats itself 11 times, it is no longer a coincidence. It is a call to act." 8
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, March 2026
Climate change is increasing the number of people exposed to extreme heat globally.9 Youngchildren and the elderly are the most vulnerable populations.

As a fossil fuel-based, petrochemical plastic product, synthetic turf is a climate change agent, offgassing methane and ethylene day and night, in ever increasing amounts. Methane traps 90% more heat than carbon dioxide and is 21 times more potent. Land based plastics produce two times more methane and 76 times more ethylene than plastics found in waterways andoceans.10'11 GHG emissions from plastic turf are estimated to be 527 tons of C02e over a ten 2 SB676-Allen. Assembly analysis (23 July 2023). Author statement.https://lec)info.leqislature.ca.QOV/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill id==202320240SB676 3Millbrae artificial turf ordinance.

San Marino artificial turf ordinance.
5 Carmel artificial turf ordinance.
6 San Fernanda artificial turf ordinance
7 Beverlv Hills artificial turf ordinance
8 Conlev. J (26 Mar 2026). Common Dreams: UN Climate Report.9 Perkins-Kirkpatrick, Gregory, CH, Vanos, JK et al (26 Mar 2026). "Deadly heat stress conditions are already occurring." Nature Communications; 17:2590.httDS://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-70485-1 1°Royer,SJ, Ferron, S, Wilson, ST, Kari, DM (20'[Q). "Production of Methane and Ethylene from Plastic in the Environment." PlosOne 13(8): e0200574.
httDS://iournals.Dlos.ora/Dlosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.Done.0200574&tvDe=Drintable 11 Royer, SJ (12 Nov 2018). Letter to Mayor M Bowser, Washington DC regarding synthetic turf.Letter to Mayor M Bowser year period based on a model using a 84,830 sq ft field.12 This does not include the entire life cycle of of the plastic, from cradle to grave and complete degradation.

Climate change presents a significant risk to student athletes.13 An estimated 9,000 student athletes are treated for exertional heat illness each year.14 The heat from synthetic surfaces,even at reasonable ambient temperatures, can contribute to injuries due to an athlete'sdiminished functional level.

Heat stress is a leading cause of weather-related deaths. Extreme heat can exacerbateunderlying diseases, such as asthma, cardiovascular disease,15 diabetes, mental health disorders, risk for accidents and some infectious diseases. Heatstroke is a medical emergencywith a high risk for death. /njun'es: Thermal Bums
Synthetic turf and plastic surfacing are
always hotter than concrete, asphalt,natural grass and other natural surfaces At a surface temperature of 118°F a 1st
degree burn occurs in 15 minutes,becoming a 3rd degree burn (full skinthickness) in 20 minutes • At a surface temperature of 140°F, a 1st;
degree bum occurs in 3 seconds, and 3rtdegree burn in 5 seconds ' Synthetic turf readily reaches 160°F to
180"F and has reached over 200°F
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,.w 13 Morton, A (1 Apr 2026). "The Hetchinger Report: Climate Change Threatens Student Athlete Safety;" Hetchingerreport.orghttDS://hechinaerreDort.ora/the-heat-is-on-as-climate-chanae-threatens-student-athlete-safetv-states-tn/-to -adapt/
14 Kerr, ZY, Casas, DJ, Marshall, SW, Comstock, RD (Jan 2013). "Epidemiology of exertional heat illnessamong U.S. high school athletes." J. Preventive Medicine.Dubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.aov/23253644/15 Huo, S, Pulido, TR, Archer, RS (8 Mar 2026). "Heat and socioeconomic deprivation compound to drivecoronary heart disease in Los Angeles." Front. Public hlealth, Sec. Health Economics; Volume 14 httDS://doi.ora/10.3389/fDubh.2026.1784078
Children are not small adults. They are more readily impacted by heat illness due to:

Heat production - Children have higher metabolic rates than adults which leads to higher production of more heat.Body surface area - Younger children absorb more heat because they have a greaterbody area to body mass ratio. For older children and teens, increased body fat and low fitness levels can be/may be contributing factors.

Blood circulation - Children are less able to cool their body temperature by shunting theirblood from their body core to their body surface due to lower cardiac output and smaller blood volume.Sweat production - Children produce less sweat per gland and sweat at higher bodytemperatures than adults, reducing their body's ability to cool itself.

Fluid replenishment - Children are less likely to self-regulate hydration if inadequately supervised.Between 2000-2019 approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred annually.16Heat-related deaths for people over 65 years of age increased by 85% between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021.79
From 2010-2020, there were more than 5,000 emergency room visits and 60 deaths per year due to heat-related illness in CA.17
A study published in 2024 compared natural grass lawns to xeriscaped lawns, and natural grass playing fields to synthetic turf fields within 0.5 miles of each other in Los Angeles, Riverside,San Bernardino and Orange Counties. The authors note that recommending xeriscaping over drought tolerant Bermuda hybrid grasses will lead to warmer temperatures. "During the summer, turfgrass residential lawns could be -40°C cooler compared to artificial turf. Despite being cooler than artificial turf, xeriscape lawns could be up to 30°Cwarmer than natural turf lawns. "21 The image below is from data collected in 2013 and 2014, before the proliferation of synthetic turf, then believed to be a water saving measure during drought conditions. 16 WHO. Climate change, heat and health. 29 Apr 202617 California Department of Public Health.(Rev. July 1, 2024)."CDPH Health Guidance for Schools on Sports and Strenuous Activities During Extreme Heat."
httDS://www.cdDh.ca.aov/Proarams/EPO/Paaes/Extreme%20Heat%20Paaes/extreme-heat-auidance-for-schools.aspx f
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According to research published in 2025 by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the incidence of heat related illnesses rose by 170% between 2012 and 2023.18 Research conducted by TenStrands on the impact of rising temperatures on counties, schools and students has shown atrend toward school closures or remote learning due to extreme heat. The report predicted morethan 120 days of high heat, impacting some 1.6 million students would occur in at least 16 counties, and putting them at high risk for heat related illnesses by 2025, with an increasing number of extreme heat days impacting a growing number of counties, schools and students between 2025 and 2055.19
Research released in March 2026 revealed significant temperature differences in parks, schools and playgrounds in Los Angeles, with underserved areas of South Los Angeles being hotterwhen compared to West Los Angeles. The differences were attributed to fewer open green spaces, more concrete, and plastic playgrounds and playing fields that trap heat, withtemperatures high enough to burn exposed limbs.20-21 18 Merritt, TA, Bhatia, S, Solomon, C, Yu, A (Aug 2025). "Heat-Related Illness Trends at a Pediatric Health Care System, 2012 to 2023. "Academic Pediatrics; 25,(6), 102855.httDs://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/Dii/S1876285925000804 19Cal Data Initiative. Extreme hleat, Ten Strands
20 Agatep, A, Fisher, JB, Tacazon, K et al (18 Mar 2026). "Thermal inequities in public parks and openspaces in Los Angeles determined by remote sensing." Nature Portfolio Journal: Urban Sustain; (6) 61.httDS://doi.ora/10.1038/s42949-n?6-00366-521 Douglas, JA, Fisher, JB, UCSB, Eastyards Non-Profit (6 Apr 2026). ""Mapping urban heat from space reveals dangerous inequities in LA public parks." DC Irvine News. httDs://Dublichealth.uci.edu/2026/04/07/maDDina^urban-heat-fi"om-SDace-reveals-danaerous-ineauities-in-l a-public-parks/
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off gassing methane and ethylene, creating
islands that extend into surrounding areas.

Extreme heat caused eight schools in Harford County, two in Montgomery County, Maryland, and 52 schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and all outdoor activities for Fairfax County, VA toclose schools ahead of the end of the school year in June 2026.

Human Health Impacts:

Plastic endangers human health throughout its lifecycle.22'23 New research indicates 600 quadrillion microplastics are released annually from landbased plastics, with an additional 26 quadrillion released from ocean based plastics.24 Children, other vulnerable populations, and workers are exposed to PFAS, phthalates, UV inhibitors, colorants, antimicrobials, flame retardants, and other chemicals of concernused in the manufacturing of synthetic turf, and from primary microplastic infill materials, and shedding secondary micro- and nanoplastics shed from plastic fields.Workers involved in fracking, ethane cracker and manufacturing plants, mining sites (silica sand), those who install, remove, and transport synthetic turf, those who work at locations collecting/selling used plastic turf carpets, and landfill workers are all at risk viadermal exposure, inhalation, and ingestion. 22 Landrigan, PJ (6 Mar 2024). "Plastics, Fossil Carbon, and the Heart." N Engl J Med;390(10),948-950.httDS://www.neim.ora/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2400683 23 Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M et al (2023). "The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health." Annals of Global Health: 89(1): 23, 1-215.httDS://doi.ora/10.5334/aoah.4Q56 24 Callaway, KR (22 Jan 2026). "Scientists just calculated how many microplastics are in ouratmosphere. The number is shocking: A new estimate suggests land sources eject 600quadrillion pieces of microplastic into the atmosphere every year. "Scientific American.httDs://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientists-iust-calculated-how-manv-microDlastics-are -in-our-atmosphere-the/
Microplastics have been found in virtually every human body organ and fluid. They are able to cross the blood/brain barrier, have been found in bone marrow, carotid arteries,semen, both maternal and fetal sides of the human placenta, in the stool of newborninfants, human breast milk, and more.25 • Inhalation of microplastics are associated with asthma, lung fibrosis, and lung cancer.26 Microplastics are negatively impacting the cardiac health of those living in the coastal region.27
PFAS, micro- and nanoplastics have been found in sea spray.28'29 PFAS has been found to act synergistically with microplastics to cause cancer.30'31 There is an age related risk for cancer from playing on synthetic turf:
".. .there are cancer risks probability occurs as a result of chemical exposure from artificial turf.

Cancer risk probability for different age categories was in the order: 7-15 years > 3-6 years >19-22 years >16-18 years >23-55 years >56-70 years.'62 Young soccer players in San Diego, CA were found to have PFOS (one of over 16,000 25 Marfella, R, et al. " Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events." The NEngtJMed;390,(1),(900-910.httDS://www.neim.ora/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa230982226 Thapa, R, Schlesinger, MA, Panth, N et al (Jan 2026). "Inhaled microplastics and lung health:

Immunopathological effects and disease implications." Food Bioscience;Vol. 75,108036. httDS://doi.ora/10.1016/i.fbio.2Q25.108036
27 Makawana, B, Khadke, S, Kumar, A et al (18 Jun 2025). "Marine Microplastic Levels and thePrevalence of Cardiometabolic Diseases in US Coastline Counties." Journal of the American Heart Association; 14(13).
httDS://doi.ora/10.1161/JAHA.124.039891
28 Bo, S, Johansson,JH, Tunved, P et al (15 Dec 2021). "Sea spray aerosol (SSA) as a source of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) to the atmosphere: Field evidence from long-term air monitoring." Environmental Science & Technology: (56), 1: 228-238.
httDS://Dubs.acs.ora/doi/10.1021/acs.est.1c04277
29 Lambert, S, Vercauteren, M, Catarino, Al et al (15 June 2024). "Aerosolization of micro- and nanoplastics via sea spray: Investigating the role of polymer type, size, and concentration, and potential implications for human exposure. "Environmental Pollution; (351), 124105 httDS://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/Dii/S0269749124QQ8194 30 Sands, M, Sachdeva, A, Bukavina, Irudayara, J (1 Dec 2025). "Synergistic toxicity of PFAS and microplastic mixtures across five human cell lines." Environmental Pollution; (386)127256.httDS://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/Dii/S0269749125016306 31 Cirillo, F, Giani, F, Sergi, V et al (1 Mar 2026). "The hidden threat: Microplastics and cancer biology." Journal of Hazardous Materials; Vol 505,141332.httDS://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/Dii/S030438942600310932 Mohammed, AMF, Saleh, IA, Abdel-Latif, NM (29 Mar 2023). "Hazard assessment study on organic compounds and heavy metals." He\\yon: {9),4, e14928 httDS://doi.ora/10.1016/i.helivon.2023.e14928 PFAS chemicals) on their hands after playing on synthetic turf.33 The US EPA has declared there is no safe level of PFOS.34 PFAS can be absorbed through the skin, posing increased risk for the multiple non-communicable diseases and cancers known to be associated with PFAS.35Both new and used synthetic turf have been shown to cause endocrine disruption andnegative cardiometabolic impacts when exposed to human cell lines.36'37Published in Jan 2026, 600 quadrillion (600 followed by 17 zeros) microplastic particles are released from land sources annually, in addition the estimated 26 quadrillionparticles contributed to the atmosphere from ocean microplastics.38 Due to the prolonged degradation time for plastic, synthetic turf is a consumer product that will continue polluting the environment with micro- and nanoplastics, toxic chemicals, and bacteria for centuries.39Products used in best management practices (BMPs) contribute more secondary microand nanoplastics to air, water, and soil than they prevent from leaving synthetic turf fields.

Synthetic turf releases 2k to 3k pounds of meso- and microplastic blades per playing field each year. Newer "no infill" versions have 16 times more blades. The plastic carpet backing and shock pads also release large amounts of microplastics.40 33 Amenabar, T (Mar 2024). "Study eyes safety of turf fields for kids: Scientists team up with San Diego Surf soccer club to discover if'forever chemicals' pose risk." San Diego Union Tribune, originally published in the Washington Post.httDs://enewsDaDer.sandieaouniontribune.com/infinitv/article popover share.asDx?auid=7f93edcb-cd5b-4 f9d-b8e4-ed57343daefc&share=true
34 US EPA (9 Apr 2024). Fact Sheet: "PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation." https://www.epa.c)ov/svstem/files/documents/2024-04/pfas-npdwr fact-sheet fleneral 4.9.24v1.pdf35 Ragnarsdottir, 0, Abdallah, MAE, Harrad, S (June 2024). "Dermal bioavailability of perfluoroalkylsubstances using in vitro 3D human skin equivalent models." Environment International; (188), 108722.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024003581#ak00536 Siegela, KR, Murraya, BR, Gearhart, J, Kassotis, CD (2024). "In vitro endocrine and cardiometabolic toxicity associated with artificial turf materials." Er\V\ror\mer\{a\ Toxicology and Pharmacology; (111), 104562.
httDS://doi.ora/10.1016/i.etaD.2024.104562
37 Kassotis, C (23 Sep 2024). "Endocrine and cardiometabolic toxicity of artificial turf associated materials." V\deo of presentation at NYU Langone Health symposium on plastics research.https://www.voutube.coni/watch?v=q8MDXyQKnFA 38Callaway, KR (28 Jan 2026). "Scientists just calculated how many microplastics are in our atmosphere.

The number is absolutely shocking." ScienWic American.
httDS://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientists-iust-calculated-how-manv-microDlastics-are-in-our-at mosphere-the/
39Chamas, A, Moon, H, Zheng, J (3 Feb 2020). "Degradation Rates of Plastics in the Environment."ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering;(8)9.b https://pubs.acs.ora/doi/10.1021/acssuschemena.9b06635
40 Kole, PJ, Van Belleghem, F, Stoorvogel, JJ, et al (10 Dec 2023). "Tire granulate on the loose: How much escapes turf? A systematic literature review." Science of The Total Environment; (903)166221.

Synthetic turf blades constitute 12 to 15% of mesoplastics found in waterways and the ocean, and over 50% in near surface waters,41 as reported by researchers in Australia,41 Spain,42 China,43 Japan,44 Canada,45 the United Kingdom,46 and the US.47'48 Microplastics are both created by, and contribute to, climate change, and impede sequestration of greenhouse gasses in the ocean.49'50'51 Economic and social costs in the U.S. from plastic are conservatively estimated to bebetween $436 billion and $1.109 trillion across the entire plastics life cycle, from cradle httDS://doi.ora/10.1016/i.scitotenv.2Q23.16622141 Mylius, K (11 July 2024). "Keep the Fake Plants and Turf Out of the Surf: A call to action to reduce the use of artificial grass and plants in our cities, preserving natural greenery and its benefits, and cleaningthe Ocean." SeaBin Foundation, Australia. httDS://seabinfoundation.ora/keeD-the-fake-Dlants-and-turf-out-of-the-surf/ 42 De Haan, WP, Quintana, R, Vilas, C, Cozar, A et al (1 Oct 2023)."The dark side of artificial greening:

Plastic turfs as widespread pollutants of aquatic enw'ronmente." Environmental Pollution; 334, 122094.httDS://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/Dii/S0269749123010965?via%3Dihub 43 Wang, T, Li, B, Zou, X (1 Oct 2019). "Emission of primary microplastics in mainland China: Invisible but not negligible." Water Research; Vol. 162, Pages 214-224.httDS://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/Dii/S004313541930555X44 Harusato, A, Kato, M ( "Mechanisms of Generation and Ecological Impacts of Nano- and Microplastics from Artificial Turf Systems in Sports Facilities." Environments; Vol 12 Issue 4 1. httDS://www.mdDi.com/2076-3298/12/4/109
45 Klasios, N (Aug 2025). "Understanding and Managing Artificial Turf Impacts on Rainwater, Urban Heat, and Biodiversity for the City of Vancouver." Sustainability Scholar Project 2025-042. httDS://sustain.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/2025-042 Understandina%20and%20Manaaina%20Artificial%20T urf Klasios.pdf
46 FIDRA.ora "Defra report states artificial pitches are the main source of intentionally added microplasticpollution in the UK."47 SFEI. 2024. The Pulse of the Bay: Contaminants of EmerainaConcern. SFEI Contribution #1219. San Francisco Estuarv Institute. Richmond. CA.
48 Shahariar, NK, Haque, A, Holsen, T, Baki, ABM (14 Oct 2025). "Land Use and Rainfall as Drivers of Microplastic Transport in Canal Systems: A Case Study from Upstate New York." httDS://www.DreDrints.ora/frontend/manuscriDt/ca46e83151 c4edefa27979d272ea4561/download pub 49 da Fonseca, EM, Gaylarde, CC (2025). "Climate change and microplastics: a two-way interaction." Emerg.

Contam. Environ. Health; 4, 15.httDS://www.oaeDublish.com/articles/eceh.2025.09 50 Shen, M, Huang, W, Chen,M et al (1 May 2020). "Microplastic crisis: Un-ignorable contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate c/pange." Journal of Cleaner Production; Vol.254, 120138.httDS://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/Dii/S095965262030185251 Nawab, A, Khan, MY, Ihsanullah, I, et al (Feb 2026). "From pollution to ocean warming: The climateimpacts of marine m/crop/asfrcs." Journal of Hazardous Materials: Plastics; (2), 100032.httDS://doi.ora/10.1016/i.hazmp.2025.100032 to grave (fossil fuel extraction, ethane cracking, production, use, disposal, and mismanagement).52
See microplastic blades shedding from sports fields HERE (12 year old AstroTurf field). HERE (3 month old TenCate Pivot field), and HERE (1.5 year old FieldTurf field).

In humans, microand nano-plasticshave been found in:
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adult/newborn
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With babies being born pre-polluted with both microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkylsubstances, known as PFAS or "Forever Chemicals", and the rising rate of childhood cancers,why would you want to contribute to further pollution of young minds and bodies? Based on data from 2018, the health care related burden of plastic related to disease in theU.S. from PBDEs (polybrominated diphenylethers), phthalates, bisphenols, and PFAS are on the order of $400 billion annually; $66.7 billion ($64.7 billion-67.3 billion) was due to phthalate exposure, while $22.4 billion was due to PFAS exposure.53 Health care and research institutions with resolutions on synthetic turf:
52 Lauer, N, Vegh,T, Nowlin, M et al (July 2025). 'The Social Cost of Plastic to the United States.' Duke University, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability. httDS://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/sites/default/files/Dublications/the-social-cost-of-Dlastic-united-states.Ddf 53 Trasande, L, Krithivasan, R, Park, K et al (Feb 2024). "Chemicals Used in Plastic Materials: An Estimate of the Attributable Disease Burden and Costs in the United States." Journal of the Endocrine Society: (8), 2.httDS://doi.ora/10.1210/iendso/bvad163
•
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The California Medical Association54
Santa Clara County Medical Association55
Children's Environmental Health Center, Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York City56 Physicians for Social Responsibility57
• Climate Code Blue (Physician activists)58
The Consortium for Children's Environmental Health59
The Silent Spring Institute60
• Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, Univ. of Mass., Lowell61 The Los Angeles Unified School District is transitioning away from synthetic turf in elementary and middle schools, and replacements and installations at high schools are on hold.Sacramento City Unified School District is considering the same. The National PTA will be voting on a resolution on synthetic turf in June 2026.

Mental Health Benefits of TRUE Green Space:

The lack of open true green, not fake green spaces, negatively impacts academic success, mental health, and violence. Natural green spaces have been shown to mitigate aggressive 54 California Medical Association. (16 Aug 2024'). Resolution 101-24: Removing Artificial Turf in Schools.Parks and Public Spaces.55 Santa Clara County Medical Association (24 Jun 2024). "Policy Recommendation on the Use ofArtificial Turf on Landscapes. Schools and Playing Fields." 56 Evans, SF, Harari, H (25 May 2025). "Position Statement on the Use of Artificial Turf Surfaces. "The Children's Environmental Health Center, Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York, New York. httDS^/mountsinaiexDosomics.ora/Dosition-statement-on-the-use-of-artificial-turf-surfaces/ 57 Physicians for Social Responsibility
58 Climate Code Blue: Physician Activists
59 The Consortium for Children's Environmental Health
60 Silent Spring Institute (Sep 2024). Public comment letter submitted to DTSC, Candidate Chemicals in Synthetic Turf, document id 9644.httDS://calsafer.dtsc.ca.aov/workflows/CommenV15588/?from=search 61 Pollard, L, Massey, R (Aug 2024). "Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Artificial Turf:Academic, municipal, and other testing efforts." Lowell Center for Sustainability, University of Massachusetts, Lowell.
httns://www.uml.edu/docs/PFAS%20in%20Artifidal%2nTurf%20-%20Academic%20Munidnal%20%26%2 OOther%20Tests%20Aua%202024 tcm18-386957.0df
behavior in adolescents62 and significantly reduce the growing risk of psychiatric disorders,63 and suicide mortality.64 Natural green spaces also reduce health risks such as asthma.65The American Psychological Association finds:66 "...exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation."
Initially published in Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Han/ard:67 "Studies have found that students who attend schools with green spaces tend to have better grades, higher test scores, and better attendance rates than those who do not." -,-Wf
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httDS://Dubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.aov/27343886/63 Engeman, K., Pedersen, C.B., Arge, L., Svenning, J.C. etal (2019). "Residential green space inchildhood is associated with lower risk of psychiatric disorders from adolescence into adulthood."Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS.org) of the United States of AmericahttDS://www.Dnas.ora/doi/10.1073/Dnas. 1807504116 64 Asri, AK, Tsai, HJ, Wong, PY et al (4 Jul 2022). "Examining the Benefits of Greenness on Reducing Suicide Mortality Rate: A Global Ecological Study." Front. Public Health, Sec. Environmental Health and Exposome;;(10)902480.
httDS://doi.ora/10.3389/fDubh.2Q22.902480
65Dong,Y, Liu, H, Zheng, T (13 Jan 2021).

Toronto, Canada. Med. Sci. Forum; 4(1), 6.
httDS://doi.ora/10.3390/ECERPH-3-09123
The Impacts of Green Space Structure on Asthma in
66 Weir, K. (2020). Nurtured by nature: Psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition. American Psychological Association.httDS://www.aDa.ora/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature 67 Bowning, M, Rigolon, A (1 Feb 2019). "School Green Space and Its Impact on Academic Performance:

A Systematic Literature Review." Int J Environ Res Public Health;16(3):429. httDS://Dmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.aov/articles/PMC6388261/
Injuries:

Independent peer-reviewed research consistently shows significantly increased non-contact lower extremity injuries68 and concussions69'52 particularly for children52 playing on synthetic turfis a contributing factor. • 315,000 to 850,000 concussions every year occur among high school athletes.

Repeated concussions increase risk of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)/ • The Concussion Legacy Foundation reported that repetitive brain trauma is associated with CTE and has been found in 17 year olds. 41.4% of athletes under age 30 show signs of CTE.70
In high school American football players, concussions occur when head impacts approach 95 g.

For youth American football players aged 9-14; 62.4 ± 29.7 g was the threshold for concussions.Research published Jan 2024 showed significantly greater impact deceleration onsynthetic turf compared to natural grass surfaces, showing greater potential forconcussions on synthetic fields.71 In a study of 953 student athlete injuries published in 2021, 61% occurred on synthetic, while39% were on natural grass. The injuries included torso, and upper and lower limb injuries, andincluded football, girls and boys soccer and rugby teams, in descending order of the number ofinjuries reported.72 In a meta analysis published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, a comprehensive review of 53 studies that focused on injuries on ari:ificial turf vs. natural grass fields. Thesystematic review of articles found that among non-contact injuries:
68 Gould, HP, Lostetter, SJ, Samuelson, ER, Guyton, GP (May 2023). "Lower Extremity Injury Rates on Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass Playing Surfaces: A Systematic Review." Am J Sports Me; 51(6): 1615-1621.doi: 10.1177/036354fi5211069562 69 The Concussion Legacy Foundation. ^2015Y White Paper: The Role of Synthetic Turf in Concussion. 70 Ober, M (28 Aug 2023). 41% of Young Athletes Show Signs of CTE. Neuroscience News. httDS://neurosciencenews.com/cte-vouna-athletes-23847/
71 Villanueva, N, Chun, I, Fujiwara, A et al (Jan 2024). "Impact Deceleration Differences on Natural Grass Versus Synthetic Turf High School Football Fields." Hawaii Journal of Health; 82 (1)4-10.httD://hawaiiiournalhealth.ora/Dast issues/HJhlSW Jan24.pdf 72 Paliobeis, A, Sivasundaran, L, Knapik, D et al (Jul/Aug 2021). "Injury incidence is higher on artificial turf compared with natural grass in high school athletes: a retrospective cohort study." Current OrthopaedicPractice 32(4):p 355-360, httDS://iournals.lww.com/c-orthoDaedicDractice/Abstract/2021/07000/lniurv incidence is higher on artific ial turf.6.aspx
".. .[the] greatest proportion of articles reported a higher foot and ankle injury rate on artificial turf compared with natural grass, both with old-generation and new-generationturf. Similar knee and hip injury rates were reported between playing surfaces for soccerathletes on new-generation turf, but football players, particularly those at high levels ofcompetition, were more likely to sustain a knee injury on artificial turf than on natural grass."ff
The authors noted that the few studies suggesting a higher rate of injury on natural grass "received financial support from the artificial turf industry."43Exposure to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)73 and other bacteria74 are a potentially life threatening consequence of dermal abrasions, known as turf bums, due to friction on synthetic turf. Inhalation and ingestion are additional exposure pathways.Synthetic turf exploits natural resources, from cradle to grave, polluting air, water and soil throughout its predicted 1,000 years it takes to fully degrade.75 From fracking of fossil fuels, tothe manufacturing of pre-production plastic pellets (nurdles) in ethane cracker plants, to manufacturing of the plastic carpet, transport, use, and interim and final disposal, environmental and social justice communities are the most impacted.76 California based agencies and research organizations concerned with microplastics andsynthetic turf for its contamination of our waterways and the ocean:

California Ocean Protection Council77
73 US EPA (6 Aug 2019). "U.S. Federal Research Action Plan (FRAP) on Recycled Tire Crumb Rubber Used on Synthetic Turf Playing Fields and Playgrounds. Final Report Part 1 - Tire CrumbCharacterizationEPA Tools and Resources Webinar."httDs://www.eDa.aov/sites/default/files/2019-08/documents/tc public webinar - august 6 2019 .pdf slide 20
74 Valeriani, F, Margarucci, LM, Gianfranceschi, G et al. (Aug 2019). "Artificial-turf surfaces forsport and recreational activities: microbiota analysis and 16S sequencing signature of syntheticvs natural soccer fields." Heliyon; 5(8): e02334. httDS://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.aov/Dmc/articles/PMC6728760/
75 Chamas, A, Moon, H, Zheng, J (3 Feb 2020). "Degradation Rates of Plastics in the Environment."ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering;(8)9.b httDs://Dubs.acs.ora/doi/10.1021/acssuschemena.9b06635
76 Staff writer (25 Jan 2024). "US: Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley' Dire Health Crisis From Government Failure to Rein in Fossil Fuels." Human Rights Watch
httDS://www.hrw.ora/news/2024/01/25/us-louisianas-cancer-allev 77 California Ocean Protection Council Statewide Microplastics Strategy San Francisco Estuary Institute7®
Heal the Bay79
National Resource Defense Council6LA Waterkeeper6
Sierra Club80
Suri:rider Foundation81California Coastal Commission82'83 Socioeconpmic and Equity Issues:

Indigenous, Black, Latinx, and other minority groups, tend to live in communities thathave long been impacted by pollution, climate change, open green space, canopy tree cover,84 and cooling centers. These communities bear a higher burden of health-related issues, decreased access to health care and to information due to cultural and language barriers, and often feel left out of the decision-making process.85 Environmental and social justice (EJ/SJ) communities have higher exposures to toxic chemicalsin air, water, and soil.86'87 They are more likely to be located near oil wells and refineries, 78 SFEI. 2024. The Pulse of the Bay: Contaminants of EmerainaConcern. SFEI Contribution #1219. San Francisco Estuarv Institute. Richmond. CA.
79 Heal the Bay. NRDC. LA Waterkeeoer. letter to LA Council File 24-0602 2024 80httDS://www.sierraclub.ora/san-francisco-bav/marin/svnthetic-turf81 httDs://www.surfrider.ora/news/artificial-turf-whv-we-shouldnt-choose-Dlastic-over-Dlants 82 httDS;//www.califaeD.ora/docs/CEQA Handbook 2025combined.pdf 83 CA Coastal Commissioners comments on synthetic turf. synthetic turf. microplastics 84 Leland, J (20 Aug 2021). 'Why an East Harlem Street Is 31 Degrees Hotter Than Central Park West If you want to map inequality in New York, you can just count trees." New York Times. httDs://www.nvtimes.com/2021/08/20/nvreaion/climate-ineaualitv-nvc.html?unlocked article code=1.eE8.

JFJV.A60aNviU75HA&smid=url-share
85 Together for Justice (n.d.). "10 Examples Of Environmental Social Justice Issues." httDS://toaetherforsocialiustice.com/environmental-social-iustice-issues/ 86 Shaw-Wakeman, T, Cunliffe, Z (2024). "The Life of Plastic: Black Women are Overexposed & Underprotected." Black Women for Wellness, Los Angeles. httDS://bwwla.ora/the-life-of-Dlastic-black-women-are-overexDosed-underDrotected/ 87 Terrell, KA, St Julien, G (13 Jan 2022). "Air pollution is linked to higher cancer rates among black orimpoverished communities in Louisiana." EnV\ronmen^a\ Research Letters; 17, (1).httDS://ioDScience.iQD.ora/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ac4360 underground gas storage tanks and pipelines,88 landfills,89 recycling facilities, SuperFund,90 and polluting manufacturing sites.Inequities in outdoor greenspace experienced in environmental and social justice communities cannot be corrected with the use of artificial turf playing fields or playgrounds. Impervioussurfacing decreases the amount of green space, adds to the heat island effect, exposes vulnerable populations to toxic chemicals, adds to pollution of water via increased runoff; to the air via off gassing of greenhouse gasses; to the soil via removal of topsoil, compaction, and overheating; to all via microplastic pollution.Open green spaces and gardens around homes, workplaces and schools provide places to relax, gather socially, and recreate.Loss of open green space impacts mental health via increased heat, and lack of air conditioning, and poor air quality. It increases attention, empathy, cooperation, lowers stress,improves mood, and has been shown to reduce psychiatric disorders.91 Green schools have thepotential to improve attendance, grades and test scores.92'93 hligher levels of green spaces decrease aggression in adolescents.94 These benefits cannot be replicated in overheated,densely populated, fake green environments.88 Department of Public Health. (24 Aug 2024). "Community Health Profiles." County of Los Angeles. 'tittDS://aDDS.ais.lacountv.aov/static/DPH/chD-reDOrts/CHP%20ReDort%20-%20Countv%20of%20Los%20 Anaeles%20-%20Environmental%20Justice.Ddf
89 Lewis, R (22 Aug 2023). " Toxic trash: California's aging hazardous waste sites have troubling safety records." CalMatters.httDS://calmatters.ora/environment/2023/08/california-hazardous-waste-sites-Dermit-2/ 90 Johnson, M, West, C (27 Apr 2024). "EPA Superfund Sites and Poor Health in Los Angeles CountyAn assessment of community health in a 5 mile proximity to Superfund sites in relation to healthinsurance. ArcGIS Story Maps.httDS://storvmaDS.arcais.com/stories/75978b4e605e42aa98c05c83acd7bd5691 Weir, K. (2020). "Nurtured by nature: Psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition. American Psychological Assoc/afen." American Psychological Association.
httDS://www.aDa.ora/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
92 Hodson, CB, Sander, HA (Apr 2017). "Green urban landscapes and school-level academicperformance. "Landscape and Urban Planning; 160, 16-27httDS://doi.ora/10.1016/i.landurbDlan.2016.11.01193 Kuo, M, Klein, SE, Browning, M, Zaplatosch, J (Feb 2020). "Greening for academic achievement:

Prioritizing what to plant and where." Landscape and Urban Planning; 206,103962 httDS://doi.ora/10.1016/i.landurbDlan.2020.10396294 Kuo, F. E., & Sullivan, W. C. (2001a). Aggression and violence in the inner city, effects of environmentvia mental fatigue. Environment and Behavior, 33, 543-3571. httDS://doi.ora/10.11771 00139160121973124
Equity in sports does not mean equality, either.95 Equality is providing the same resources to everyone, while equity is providing resources based on need. When public playing fields are privatized, whether by a formal lease, maintenance agreement, or joint use agreement, barriersare created that widen the equity gap, creating a "pay for play" scenario, in which low incomeresidents may be left out.Suggestions to improve equity in sports:

Removing fencesEnsuring residents have more access to parks and playing fields than organized teams from other cities
Offering scholarships or reduced fees based on income
Lastly, equity does not mean exposing vulnerable populations to more impervious surfacing, creating more heat islands, adding more pollution and toxic chemical exposure to students,coaches, staff, visitors, all park goers...for years to come.

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95 Woods, M (2016). "Equality, equity and the role of fairness in inclusive sport." Inclusive Sports Design. httDS://www.indusivesDortdesian.com:eaualitv-eauitv-and-the-role-of-fairness-in-inclusive-SDort 96 Woods, M (2016). "Equality, equity and the role of fairness in inclusive sport." Inclusive Sports Design. httDS://www.inclusivesDortdesian.com:eaualitv-eauitv-and-the-role-of-fairness-in-inclusive-SDort Not Recyclable; Not Sustainable:

Less than 6% of plastics are recycled.97 Made of highly variable formulations of mixed plastics,synthetic turf is not recyclable, not sustainable and is a linear, not a circular product. Synthetic turf does not meet any definition of sustainability. The synthetic turf industry misrepresents its products when they make claims related to sustainability and environmental friendliness. It isnot enough to use the vernacular of the day.

Circular products98 are "...those products that have reduced or completely no need for virginresources and are designed with the end of their life in mind."The United Nations defines sustainable development" as "...development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." The UCLA Sustainability Committee100 notes: "In simplest terms, sustainability is about our children and our grandchildren, and the world we will leave them".

The Rutgers Center for Sustainable Materials101 definition:
"Sustainable materials are materials used throughout our consumer and industrial economy that can be produced in required volumes without depleting non-renewableresources and without disrupting the established steady-state equilibrium of theenvironment and key natural resource systems." 97 Dell, J, Enck, J (May 2022). "The Real Truth about the US Plastic Recycling Rate." Beyond Plastics.httDS://static1.sauaresDace.com/static/5eda91260bbb7e7a4bf528d8/V62b2238152acae761414d698/1655841666913/The-Real-Truth-about-the-US-Plastic-Recvclina-Rate-2021-Facts-and-Fiaures- 5-4-22.pdf 98 "What is a circular product?" Circular 7ays\de, United Kingdom. httt3s://circulartavside.co.uk/what-is-a-circular-Droduct-and-business-model/ 99 United Nations (2024). "Sustainable Development Agenda: What is sustainable development?" httDS://www.un.ora/sustainabledeveloDment/develoDment-aaenda/#1 b1981 a30bdd8fde2 100 UCLA Sustainability Committee, quoting UN World Commission on Environment and Development httDS://www.sustain.ucla.edu/what-is-sustainabilitv/
101 Rutgers University. "What are Sustainable Materials?" Department of Materials Science andEngineering, Center for Sustainable Materials. Accessed 26 Jan 2025.httDS://mse.rutaers.edu/center-sustainable-materials r s •».,:••---9<
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Imvervious Surfacins:

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CeftificatB Number' 2025-100344-01A
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Model Number
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Test Report NumberTest DateValidation Agency
Validation Date
Sprinturf146FairchiLdSt,BultBl50
Danhlltland.SC 28482Sprinturf
146 FaircNld St, Suite 150
Daniel Island, SC 2949246oz DFE Field GreenD532241/T543D46EPA 1633100344-01 3/19/2025Firefly Sports Testing78 Londonderry Tpk, Unit D5Hoaksen.NH 03106 4/25/2025
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Firefly Sports Testing certifies that the sample(s) identified in this cartificata have been tested in accordance with the method(s) and specification (s) listed herein. The submined sample(s) wers evaluated under the conditions stated in the associated test rsport. Testing conducted in accordancewith EPA Method 1633 detected no PFAS compounds abovs the method's reporting limits. This certificate applies only to the specific sampte(s) tasted and the conditions at the time of testine.

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Office of the Secretary of State
REGISTRATIONOUT-OF-STATE LIMITED LIABIL1TC COMPANY
Calffornia Secretar/ of State1500 llth Stieet
Sacramento. California 95814(916) B57.5448
For Office Use Only
-FILEDFile ND.: 202464217669
Date Filed: 10/18/2024
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Limited Liability Company Name FIREFLY ATHLETICS, LLC
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Aulliority Statemenl
This LLC currently has powers and privileges
entered above.
conduct business in the state, foreign country or other jurisdiction Slieet Address Of Prirteipal 0«i of
Principal Address 78 LONDONDERRY TURNPIKE
UNIT D5HOOKSEFT, NH 03106
flailing Address o( LLC
Mailing Address 78 LONDONDERRY TURNPIKE UNIT D5
HOOKSETT, NH 03L06
Rachel Dupont
Stteet Address o[ California Offrce of LLC
Street Address of California Office None
Agenifof Service o[Pn
Agent NameAgent Address
David Digeronimo30934 CURRAN CTVALLEY CENTER. CA 92082
Consent lo Service or Process
The Secretary at State is appointed as the ageiprocess if the agent has resigned and has not exercise of reasonable diligence.
>nt of the foreign (out-of-state) limited liability company for sen/ice of been replaced or if the agent cannot be found or sewed with the Despite industry claims, synthetic turf is classified as impervious by both the US EPA and the State of California. US EPA has defined impervious surfaces:
"...areas such as gravel roads...that will be compacted through design or use to reducetheir impermeability." It further has defined impervious surfaces as...[a]ny surface that prevents or significantly impedes the infiltration of water into the underlying soil. This can include but is not limited to: roads, driveways, parking areas and other areas createdusing non porous material; buildings, rooftops, structures, artificial turf and compactedgravel or soil." Compaction, as well as the impervious plastic surface, result in increased runoff. Despitesynthetic turf industry claims, laboratory testing is not the same as reality. Synthetic turf isunable to handle the amount of rain that comes with an atmospheric river or bomb cyclone. "Pollutants from aerial and terrestrial sources accumulate on impervious surfaces until runofffrom a precipitation event carries sediment, nutrients, metals, and pesticides into stormwater drains and directly to local waterbodies. As impen/ious surfaces increase,stormwater runoff increases in quantity, speed, temperature, and pollutant load. When impervious surfaces reach 10-20% of local watershed area, surface runoff doubles and continues to increase until, at 100% impervious surface coverage, runoffis five timesthat of a forested watershed. Excessive stormwater runoff also increases the potentialfor flooding." US EPA Impervious Surface Fact Sheet The resulting impact on climate change from plastics and microplastics,102 including those from synthetic turf, are contributing factors to increased flood risk, toxic runoff,103 and landslides.104Synthetic turf creates 27,000 gallons of toxic runoff for every one inch of rain for everyone acre of plastic installed.105 In addition to being an impervious surface, installation of synthetic turf often requires removal of trees, or contributes to their deaths by impeding water infiltration, thereby adding to the risk of 102 Sunil, S, Bhagwat, G, Vincent, SGT, Palanisami, T (10 Oct 2024). "Microplastics and climate change:the global impacts of a (/'nydnVe/-." Science of The Total Environment; (946),174160. httDS://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/Dii/S0048969724043080 103 Simpson, TJ, Francis, RA (Aug 2021). "Artificial lawns exhibit increased runoffand decreased waterretention compared to living lawns following controlled rainfall experiments." Urban Forestry & Urban Greening; (63), 127232
httDS://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/Dii/S1618866721002570 104 Vogt, E (26 Oct 2021). "NJ prep school's turf field blamed for rockslide that displaced 45 families." NJ 1015. (link next page?)httDS://ni1015.com/ni-DreD-schools-turf-field-blamed-for-rockslide-that-disDlaced-45-families/105 Cotrone, V (undated). "The Role of Trees and Forests in Healthy Watersheds: Managing stormwater,reducing flooding, and improving water quality." Penn State Extension.httDS://extension.Dsu.edu/the-role-of-trees-and-forests-in-healthv-watersheds landslides. Landslides are also a significant concern post wildfire events106 and are a significant concern in all cases where there are no requirements or limitations on impervious surfacing.107 $ ^ Kt. ^ s* Ki *s
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Soil - Synthetic turf impairs the microbiology and functions of soil by covering it with animpervious surface, disrupting carbon sequestration, photosynthesis, decomposition,and nutrient cycles. The resulting effect on organic exchanges impairs gas exchange,moisture uptake, the microbial population, and biochemical properties of the soil, leading to unhealthy soil, impaired plant growth, and eventual death.108 A healthy microbial system is essential to soil health and fertility.109'110'111 106 United States Geographical Survey Program (2018). "The scientific background information forEmergency Assessment ofPostfire Debris-Flow Hazards."httDS://www.usas.aov/Droarams/landslide-hazards/science/scientific-backaround 107 Strunsky, S (25 Oct 2021). "400-Year-Old N.J. Forest Cut Down for Fake Turf Field May Be to Blame for Rock Slide After Ida. " NJ .corn.httDS://www.ni.com/news/2021/10/400-vear-old-ni-forest-cut-down-for-fake-turf-field-mav-be-to-blame-for-r ock-slide-after-ida.html?outDutTvDe=amD
108 Millard, B (22 Jul 2025). "Artificial Turf Literature Review. Consolidating Understandings around theEnvironmental and Ecological Implications of Artificial Turf Systems." SeaB\n Foundation, Australia. httDs://seabinfoundation.ora/artificial-turf-literature-review/ 109 Hartmann, M, Frey, B, Mayer, J et al (31 Oct 2014). "Distinct soil microbial diversity under long-termorganic and conventional farming." ISME J; 9, 1177-1194. httDS://doi.ora/10.1038/ismei.2014.210
110 Lindsey, AJ. Schiavon, M, Unruh, JB, Kenworthy, K (7 Jan 2025). "Urban Landscapes: TurfgrassBenef/fe." Department of Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, Grasses;4(1), 3,https://doi.org/10.3390/qrasses4010003 111 Arachchige, PSP, Hettiarachchi, GM, Rice, CW et al (Sep/Oct 2024). "Direct evidence on the impact of organic amendments on carbon stabilization in soil microaggregates." Soil Society of America J; 88(5), 1529-1544.
httDS://doi.ora/10.1002/sai2.20701
•
Trees - Synthetic turf negatively impacts living plants through multiple mechanisms.

Installation of artificial turf requires compaction of soil, which reduces root growth by reducing aeration. Because it is impervious, it does not allow adequate watering orrainfall into the soil. Toxic runoff from the plastic surfacing may allow waterlogging ofplantings in low lying areas, even when not immediately surrounded by the carpeting.

The chemicals in the plastic and runoff can be toxic to the roots of living plants. The extreme heat created by the artificial turf greatly reduces or kills the soil biome integral tohealthy soil with nutrients needed for growth, and prevents carbon sequestration into thesoil, and oxygen production. These factors can ultimately result in living plant and tree deaths.

Synthetic turf poses a significant global threat to wildlife and aquatic organisms viaingestion of microplastics and toxic chemical leachate, threatening our food chain.112 It isestimated that >1500 species have ingested microplastics,113 including high levels in airexhaled by dolphins via their blowholes.114 Artificial turf in urban parks was found to reduce house sparrow populations by 60%.115'116
Microplastics have been found in birds' lungs,117 and in the abdomens of fledgling puffins on remote islands in high volumes leading to death.118
112 Wiseman, L (8 Apr 2026). "Artificial Grass and Its /mpac(." World Wildlife Federation. httDS://www.wwf.ora.uk/articles/artificial-arass-and-its-imDact 113 Santas, RG, Machovsky-Capuska, GE, Andrades, R (2021). "Plastic Ingestion as an Evolutionary Trap: Toward a Holistic Understanding." Science: 373, 56-60. httDS://Dubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.aov/34210877/114 Dziobak, MK, Fahlman, A, Wells, RS (16 Oct 2024). "First evidence of microplastic inhalation among free-ranging small cetaceans." PlosOne.httDS://iournals.Dlos.ora/Dlosone/article?id=10.1371/iournal.Done.03Q9377115 Ponce-Bernat, E, Gil-Delgado, JA, Lopez, GM (20 Feb 2020). "Sharp decrease in sparrows caused byuse of artificial grass in city parks." Phys.orghttDS://Dhvs.ora/news/2020-02-sharD-decrease-SDarrows-artificial-arass.Ddf116 Sanchez-Sotomayor, D, Martfn-Higuera, A, Gil-Delgado, JA (2023). "Artificial grass in parks as a potential new threat for urban bird communities." B\rd Conservation lnternational;33, e16, 1-8. httDS://doi.ora/10.1017/S0959270922000119
117 Tokunaga, Y, Okochi, hi, Tani, Y et al (Apr 2023). "Airborne microplastics detected in the lungs of wild birds in Japan. "Chemosphere; 321,138032.
httDS://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/Dii/S0045653523002990 118 Lavers, J, Bond, AL, Hutton, I (Apr 2024). "Plastic ingestion by Flesh-footed Sheamaters (Puffinuscarneipes): Implications for fledgling body condition and the accumulation of plastic-derived chemicals."Environmental Pollution:(187)124-129.littDs://www.sciencedirect.com/science/artide/abs/Dii/S0269749113006532 • It is estimated that roughly one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals are killed annually from plastic in our oceans. In its 2024 Report, the World Wildlife Fund reports aloss of 73% of wildlife populations in the period from 1970 to 2020.11g Synthetic turf is implicated in increasing frequent red tides and toxic algal blooms.120 Wildfire risk:Synthetic turf is a combustible petrochemical product. Research in three countries has shown it is neither ember or flame resistant.121'122'123
"Glowing embers, as are commonly blown in front of an advancing bushfire, have a temperature of around 700-800QC, and the flame of a burning leaf has a temperature of around 700°C. Strips of polyethylene can be ignited with the flame of a match which hasa temperature of around 700° C."124 "Over the past two decades, we saw a 250 percentincrease in fire speed across the West that I don't see slowing down anytime soon." FireGeologist, Jennifer Balch.125 119 World Wildlife Federation (2024). "Living Planet Report: 2024. Nature is Disappearing: The Average S/ze of Wildlife Populations Has Fallen By a Staggering 73%. " httDS://livinaDlanet. panda.ora/en-US/120 Ren, X, Mao, M, Feng,M et al (1 Mar 2024). "Fate, abundance and ecological risks of microcystins in aquatic environment: The implication of microplastics." Water Research; Volume 251, 121121.httDS://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/Dii/S0043135424000228 121 Kukfisz, B (2018). "The Degree of Flammability for an Artificial Grass Surface System. "The Main School of Fire Service, Faculty of Fire Safety Engineering, Warsaw, Poland. httDS://doi.ora/10.1051/e3sconf/20184500038
122 Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Apr 2020). "Living Turf Fire Benefits Study - Literature review." GHD Australia.
httDS://www.horticulture.com.au/alobalassets/hort-innovation/resource-assets/tu17008-literature-review-livina-turf-fire-benefits-studv.pdf 123 Paturel, A (2021). "Fire performance of artificial turf structures : small-scale testing and developmentof fireproofing sfrateg/es." Material chemistry. Universite de Lille, France. Doctoral thesis. httDS://theses.hal.sdence/tel-03561379v1/file/These PATUREL Anaeline.pdf 124 Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (Apr 2020). "Living Turf Fire Benefits Study - Literature review." GHD Australia.
httDS://www.horticulture.com.au/alobalassets/hort-innovation/resource-assets/tu17008-literature-review-liv ina-turf-fire-benefits-studv.pdf
125 Deng, J (11 Jan 2025). "The Dichotomy of a Deadly Paradise -How Urban Sprawl and Climate Change Fuel LA'S Fires." Inside Climate News.httDS://insideclimatenews.ora/news/11012025/los-anaeles-wildfires-in-altadena-and-Dacific-Dalisades/ ;t
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A fire caused significant damage to a newly-installed football field at Mt. Diablo High Schoolin Concord and police say fireworks may be to blame. 126 New TenCate Pivot plastic turf filed destroyed by fire Synthetic turf increases toxic exposures during wildfires.127'128 And, it contributes to escalating insurance costs.129'130'131
Not CEOA Exemut!
In December of 2023, the California Coastal Commission disallowed the University of California Santa Barbara from installing synthetic turf at the Caesar Uyesaka Stadium, citingmicroplastics, concerns related to water contamination and lack of conformity with the University's sustainability policies.132 It has not allowed synthetic turf in the Coastal Permit Zone since 2023.133
"[Artificial turf] cannot be considered the environmentally superior alternative..."andcited microplastics as a primary concern. The Coastal Commission also noted that "Section 21080.5(d] (2) (A) ofCEQA prohibits the Commission from approving a proposed development if there are feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures availablethat would substantially lessen any significant adverse effect which the activity may haveon the environment.'^ The Commission also disallowed removal of trees.CEQA guidelines were recently updated, changing the section analogous to the one quoted by the Coastal Commission to § 21002. APPROVAL OF PROJECTS; FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVE OR MITIGATION MEASURES, though the wording and intent of the law remains unchanged.134
127 Schlanger, Z (15 Jan 2025). "What Happens When a Plastic City Bums. "The Atlantic. httDS://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2025/01/los-anaeles-fire-smoke-Dlastic-toxic/681318/ 128 Staff writer (17 Jan 2025). "Plastic Chemicals in Wildfire Smoke and How to Protect Yourself." Plastic Soup Coalition.httDS://www.DlasticDollutioncoalition.ora/bloa/2025/1/17/Dlastic-chemicals-in-wildfire-smoke-and-how-to-Dr otect-vourself129 Mandel, A, Battiston, S, Monasterolo, I. (5 Feb 2025). "Mapping global financial risks under climatechange. Nature, Climate Change. httDS://doi.ora/10.1038/s41558-025-02244-x
130 Sherriff, L (18 Mar 2024). "Climate change is fuelling the US insurance pro&tem." British BroadcastingCorp.httDS://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240311-whv-climate-chanae-is-makina-the-us-uninsurable 131 Capani, C (7 May 2024). "-Ar/Va issues flood risk warning as residents turn to artificial lawns." Insurance Times; United Kingdom.httDS://www.insurancetimes.co.uk/news/aviva-issues-flood-risk-warnina-as-residents-turn-to-artificial-lawn s/1451833.article
132 Notice of Impending Development UCS-NOID-0002-23 (Baseball Stadium Turf) for Public Hearing and rCalifornia Coastall Commission Action at the December 13. 2022 •mCA Coastal Commissioners comments on synthetic turf. microplastics 134 httDS://www.califaeD.ora/docs/CEQA Handbook 2025combined.pdf The city council, board of supervisors, and board of education members should be acutely aware that in any decision regarding synthetic turf or other projects, that YOU are the leadagency regarding all documentation related to CEQA. If staff or consultants intentionally/unintentionally mislead you regarding CEQA requirements, that falls you, not thestaff nor consultants. This includes any claims or filings related to NOEs (Notice of Exemption) or MNDs (Mitigated Negative Declaration). Additionally, be aware that claims that a project wasapproved by the Division of State Architect (DSA) and meets CEQA requirements is also untrue.The DSA is limited to reviewing school construction projects for building code compliance and structural safety. They play no role in CEQA, and have no authority to approve any projectsunder CEQA.

Additionally, the Governor's Office on Land Use and Climate Innovations, together with the Department of Natural Resources now oversees CEQA. They are acutely aware of the urgency of plastics in our environment, and the circumvention of the CEQA process by many local jurisdictions, as is the California Coastal Commission.

Playable Hours Myth:

The industry and staff who support plastic turf more often than not skew the hours of play.

Beware that more hours of play also means more exposure to toxic chemicals, more risk fornon-communicable diseases and cancer, more rapid breakdown of the plastic, more expense for more frequent landfilling and replacement, and more legal liability exposure.

Comparisons related to number of hours of play may be skewed significantly as they are mostoften based on the number of hours reserved for a given playing field, and not on the actualhours of play. "Hours of play as reported is based on permits, not actual on the ground play time. This is critical because synt[Vnet\c\turf is fenced, locked and often not usedeven during permitted time blocks, and not outside of those times. The [natural] grass fields, in contrast, see almost constant play during, and outside of permittedtime, because they are typically NOT fenced and locked. So, if a teamcancels practice or a game during permitted time on grass, others willcertainly see it is empty and play on it anyway. " Dr. Kathy Michaels, NIH researcher, ret., Board Member, Safe Healthy Playing Fields, Inc; public testimony, Montgomery County, Maryland, 2025.

This was also prominently elucidated as early as a 2014 article in a Forbes Magazine, revealing how proponents of artificial turf manipulate information.135 This dynamic was most recently affirmed last year in a letter submitted to CA DTSC by the University of Massachusetts Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, regarding DTSC's background document on Candidate 135 Ozanian, M ( 2014). "How Taxpayers Get Fooled On The Cost Of An Artificial Turf Field." Forbes Magazine.httDS://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2014/09/28/how-taxDavers-aet-fooled-on-the-cost-of-an-artifici al-turf-field/
Chemicals in Artificial Turf. Dr. Rachel Massey noted:
"Regarding play times, we have documented examples of sustainably managed grass athletic fields that meet the play hours needed by communities. Grassathletic field consultants explain that with proper maintenance, a grass field willaccommodate as much play as needed. We have also encountered instances in which artificial turf vendors assign different "weights" to different activities. For example, one hour of a heavy activity such as football may be counted as more than one hour of use. It can be important to understand these weightings whenassessing the expected life span and cost effectiveness of the product."^36 Student athletes are not elite athletes. Pushing them to perform in extreme heat with a WBGT up to 92PF the inland desert region (GIF Category 3),137 is inviting preventable heat illness, heat stroke and death...as well as the high risk for legal liability.

OF NOTE:

Synthetic turf is not "set it and forget it." It is high maintenance...if you wish to preserve warranties.

It is not 24/7 play. High play = faster replacement.Synthetic turf requires toxic chemicals for cleaning and weed abatement. • Synthetic turf requires vast amounts of POTABLE water to clean and cool the surface to a playable temperature, and repeatedly throughout play. gOecision Making
Criteria
Regenerative/Organic
Maintenance
Conventional Grass Synthetic Turf
20 Year Total Cost |$180k-$390kMaintenancecosts/Year
$1500-$4500/acre
S210k-$410k54.000 - $6.000 /acre
S1.35M-S2.OM +S10k-15k/field
Hours ofmaintenance / Year
75-100 250 350
Playable HoursWater Use
1500 - 3630'
40 to 60% lessBermuda hybrids
650 - 800-Moderate - High
2,000 - 2,500"HighPotable waterrequiredCleaning; coding;hydration of plantbased infills Water Contamination None; no synthetic
inputs: is not a"product swap"
Mod to HighSynthetic fertilizer,Pesticide use
Hightoxic teachate withrainfall, cleaning,hydration
* Unverified claims made by synthetic turfindustry.
* *AI monitoring and maintenance systems show playable hours "30% of claims made; closures for heat and particulate matter are not playable hours.

PLAYABLE HOURS
"Several manufacturers were
contacted and asked to verify
this statistic. As of the writing
of this report, no responsehas been received. Likely, it isan estimate based on theassumption that artificial turfcan withstand roimd-the-clock play and would be played on
for almost the entirety of the
year over 8 hours a day.
ht tps .//www .\'6roriaii].or;!/(nedia/SuEtainablel!'t,20Vefona/20 24/Cen(ennial%2DField%20-%20Turk^20Study/V8rona%2GZ024%20Fi[i3l%20ReporL.p 136 Massey, R (30 Sep 2024). "Comments on California DTSC's Background Document on Candidate Chemicals in Artificial Turf." Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, Univ. of Mass., Lowell.

LCSP letter to DTSC
137 CIF Extreme Heat Policy
Hidden costs: what is staff not tellins vou?
The hidden "extras" with artificial turf projects:

Environmental Impact Reports; CEQA filings and directed requirements.Irrigation systems. *Failure to clean plastic fields can void warranties and put athletes atrisk. Necessary to cool the surface to playable temperature.Drainage/catchment systems (made of plastics, contributing to unrecyclable plastics,microplastic pollution) Annual GMax testing- ~$1,51 5. More frequently if it fails testing.Annual infill replenishment-1.5 to 5 tons of chosen infill *plant-based infill is generally 4.5times more expensive than used tire crumb.

New maintenance equipment.
• Maintenance agreement costs (required by some manufacturers).• Increased POTABLE water to cool plastic surface to playable temperature.

Cleaning solvent. *Failure to follow maintenance requirements will nullify warranties. • Pesticides for weed eruption (Some manufacturers call for glyphosate, Spectracide).

Removal costs.

Transportation and disposal costs (potential for disposal in hazardous waste landfills).

POTABLE Water to clean synthetic fields of bacteria,138'13g secretion of human fluids, waste left by pets and wildlife; often a requirement to maintain warranty. Failure to clean causes build up of bacteria, which is more prevalent in older synthetic surfaces.140'141 Increased legal liability.

Alternatives Exist:

Avoidance of microplastics, toxic chemical exposure to people and planet, reduction ofgreenhouse gasses, and plastic pollution, and in support of a cooler environment, improved human health,142 and biodiversity lies in nature-based solutions. 138 US EPA (6 Aug 2019). "U.S. Federal Research Action Plan (FRAP) on Recycled Tire Crumb Rubber Used on Synthetic Turf Playing Fields and Playgrounds. Final Report Part 1 - Tire CrumbCharacterizationEPA Tools and Resources Webinar." s\\de 20 httDs://www.eDa.aov/sites/default/files/2019-08/documents/tc public webinar - august 6 2019.pdf 139 Valerian!, F, Margarucci, LM, Gianfraneschi, G et al (28 Aug 2019). Artificial-turf surfaces for sport and recreational activities: microbiota analysis and 16S sequencing signature of synthetic vs natural soccer fields. Heliyon: Heliyon 5 (2019) e02334.httDS://doi.ora/10.1016/i.helivon.2019.e02334 140 Bass, JJ, Hintz, DW (2013). "Determination of Microbial Populations in a Synthetic Turf System," Skyline - The Big Sky Undergraduate Journal: 1(1), Article 1.httDS://scisDace.com/Ddf/determination-of-microbial-DQDulations-in-a-svnthetic-turf-1ifau95sd7.Ddf 141 Keller, M, Turco, RF, Gray, MB, Sigler, V (2020). "The Fate of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcusaureusin a Synthetic Turf System. "Sports Health: 12(3), 263-270.httDS://Dmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.aov/articles/PMC7222665/ 142 Braun, RC, Mandai, P, Nwachukwu, E, Stanton, A (17 Oct 2024). "The role ofturfgrasses inenvironmental protection and their benefits to humans: Thirty years later." Crop Science; (64)2, pp2909-3618.

Natural grass actively sequesters carbon dioxide and provides a cooling function that is especially dramatic when compared to the heat generated by synthetic turf. Grass naturally filters toxins, performs important eco-services for the soil beneath, and provides widely spersed rainwater infiltration allowing absorption and recharging of the water table. Additionally:143Research suggests that:

Natural grasses can accumulate and deposit carbon into the soil by approximately one-half ton of carbon per acre per year for 30 to 40 years. 5,000 square feet of natural grass lawns can provide enough oxygen for approximately28 residents - something sorely needed in our overbuilt environment.144Desert and drought tolerant Bermuda hybrid grasses can save water.

Regenerative / organic management, and zero emission maintenance equipmentmitigate greenhouse gas emissions, reduce costs over time, and increase carbon sequestration.145
Newer drought and desert tolerant Bermuda grass hybrids have been developed for high use playing fields, and can also be used in residential and commercial properties. One such natural grass hybrid, Tahoma31,146 uses 60% less water and can stay green for six weeks, potentially reducing water usage to two to three waterings per summer. It has sterile seeds and isnon-invasive. Other drought tolerant varieties, grown in the Coachella and Fernanda Valleys,Ramona, as well as Stockton and other locations, include Coachella, Bandera, Legion and otherBermuda hybrids.Development of college credit courses in regenerative / organic turf management would provide an opportunity to showcase the state mandated K-12 Core Curriculum on Climate Change, andallow students to transition to colleges and universities as a path to high paid green jobs for the future. This would also provide an opportunity to meet state requirements for composting organic waste,147'148 which can be used in regenerative/organic field maintenance. This has theadded benefit composting locally, saving money, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation rather than shipping green waste to more remote locations. httDS://doi.ora/10.1002/csc2.21383
143 The Lawn Institute. "Carbon Sequestration." accessed 2 Feb 2025. httDS://www.thelawninstitute.ora/environmental-benefits/carbon-seguestration/ 144 The Lawn Institute. "Fres/? Oxygen Production by Natural Grass Lawns in the United States."httDs://www.thelawninstitute.ora/WD-contenVuDloads/2021/02/TLI-Fresh02Droduction US-Final.pdf 145Beyond Pesticides, oraanic manaciement cost comparison 146 Tahoma31 Project List
147 SB 279
148SB1383
Beyond Pesticides offers a two year program that includes reviewing expenditures, soil testing, training staff in organic natural turf management, and two years of monitoring progress. They do not do installations or maintenance.149
With both synthetic turf and microplastics coming under regulation by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, and grants moving to nature based solutions, it is time to GET REAL with natural grass and other nature based solutions! Respectfully submitted,Diana Conway, PresidentDianne Woelke MSN, Board Member Safe Healthy Playing Fields, Inc.
httDS://www.safehealthvDlavinafields.oraSHPFI is an all-volunteer nonprofit 501-c-3 31 ti BEYOND PLASTICS
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149 Bevond Pesticides Sustainable Parks Program

SAFE HEALTHY

BEYOND PLASTICS
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El Cesped Sintetico
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El cesped sintetico es un producto plasticopetroqufmico elaborado principalmente a partirdepolietileno, el plastico mas producido y desechadoa nivel mundial. Otras resinas utilizadas puedenincluir polipropileno y uretano.Las PFAS son una clase de mas de 16 000 sustancias qufmicas, conocidas como "sustanciasqufmicas eternas". Se ariaden durante la fabricacion de cesped sintetico para evitar que los
hilos plasticos se peguen a la maquinaria. Se hanencontrado en el 100% de todos los materiales decesped sintetico analizados.

Las PFAS son una clase de mas de 16 000sustancias qufmicas, conocidas como;"sustancias qufmicas eternas". Se anaden |iintencionalmente durante la fabricacion I|decesped sintetico para evitar que los fl ghilos plasticos se peguen a la maquinaria.

ISe han encontrado en el 100% de todos
Ijgs materiales de cesped sintetico
fanalizados.

Otros quimicos utilizados en la fabricacion incluyenplastificantes, retardantes de llama, colorantes,estabilizadores UV, biocidas, estabilizadores termicos, antioxidantes, lubricantes y agentes
espumantes, catalizadores, ftalatos y sustanciasperfluoroalquilo (PFAS).Las investigaciones indican que las PFAS puedencausar una disminucion de la fertilidad, danos aldesarrollo, al hfgado, a la tiroides y a otros organos, alterar la respuesta a las vacunas y
causar cancer. Se bioacumulan en los seres
humanos, la vida salvaje y acuatica y persisten a lolargo de generaciones.Los PFAS se filtran del cesped sintetico al aire, el agua y la tierra a medida que se exponen al medioambiente y debido a la accion abrasiva del juego.

El cesped sintetico es un material impermeable que
alcanza facilmente temperaturas de 160°F a 180°Fy mas. Sobrecalienta la tierra, mata el bioma vivodebajo y aumenta la escorrentia toxica ycancengena. isri ft
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La emision de gases de metano y etileno, dos
potentes gases de efecto invernadero, crea islas decalor mas grandes que la huella de un campo de juego sintetico, lo que afecta el area circundante y
contribuye al cambio climatico.

Las quemaduras en el cesped por friccion, las
quemaduras termicas, las heridas sin contacto enlas extremidades inferiores y las conmocionescerebrales ocurren con mas frecuencia en camposde cesped sintetico que en campos de cespednatural.

Los atletas se ven cada vez mas afectados por
enfermedades de estres termico debido at jugar ensuperficies sinteticas. Las muertes por insolacionse duplicaron entre 2015 y 2017 en comparacioncon los cinco anos anteriores. Futbolistas tienenonce veces mas probabilidades de sufrirenfermedades relacionadas con el calorjugando encesped sintetico. s. IS
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El cesped sintetico requiere mas agua que las
variedades Bermudas tolerantes a la sequfa para
reducir la temperatura de la superficie a un nivelcomparable al del cesped natural para un juegoseguro. El enfriamiento requiere aproximadamente 12 mil galones de agua y dura unos 20 minutos.
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galones de agua para producir 1 metro cuadradode cesped, lo que se estima equivale a regar unmetre cuadrado de cesped natural durante 18anos. Tambien se necesita agua para limpiar la contaminacion, los fluidos corporales, los desechos
animates, moho, bacterias y mas del plastico.

El cesped sintetico es un plastico mixto y no se
puede reciclar. Hasta la fecha, no se ha reciclado
ningun campo de juego sintetico para convertirlo en
campo. El reciclaje de productos qufmicosavanzados altamente contaminantes no es unaalternativa viable y plantea riesgos para la salud de los trabajadores y las comunidades circundantes.

Se estima que la retirada, el transporte y el vertidoactuales ascienden $64k a $100k dolares. Muchos vertederos no aceptaran este material peligroso.

Con frecuencia se tira ilegalmente y continuacontaminando el medio ambiente durante los masde mil anos que se tarda en descomponerse. til
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adicional para la contaminacion de la tierra, el aire
y el agua, asi como para el dano ambiental. Cadaano, 2,000 a 3,000 libras de hojas rotas de plastico migran de cada campo de tamano reglamentariohasta 16x mas si es del tipo que no ocupa rellenoagregado. Pierda de 1 a 5 toneladas de contaminacion adicional se escapa de un campo enforma de relleno agregado encima de un campo sintetico para soportar las hojas de plastico yproporcionar amortiguacion. ^M^
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A un precio aproximadamente 4.3 veces mayor
que el del cesped natural correctamente instalado y
mantenido, el cesped sintetico es una malainversion. Los campos de cesped natural de ultima generacion pueden durar 30 anos y su
mantenimiento es menos costoso si se gestionande forma organica. El uso de aqua es menor con variedades tolerantes a la sequfa y el equipo de
mantenimiento de cero emisiones mitiga lasemisiones de gases de efecto. En cambio, elcesped sintetico cuesta en promedio de $1.2milliones para instalarlo, requiere agua, equipo demantenimiento especializdo a gas o diesel, uso deherbicides para reducir el crecimiento de malezas ymoho, reemplazo anual del relleno, pruebas dedureza y posibles demandas judiciales por heridas.

Para obtener mas informacion:
safehealthyplavingfields.orq
httDs://www.endocrine.ora/toDics/edc/Dlastics-edcs-andhealthhttDs://iournals.Dlos.ora/Dlosone/article?id=10.1371/iournal.Done.0200574httDS://www.ewa.ora/newsinsiahts/news/2023/02/wildlife-warnina-more-330sDecies-contaminated-forever-che micals
httDS://www.theauardian.com/societv/2021/mar/28/shanna-swan-fertilitv-reproduction-count-down httDs://Dubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.aov/37392868/
Synthetic Turf
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Synthetic turf is a petrochemical plastic product
most often made from polyethylene, the most highlyproduced and discarded plastic globally. Other resins used may include polypropylene andurethane.Other chemicals used in manufacturing includeplasticizers, flame retardants, colorants, UVstabilizers, biocides, heat stabilizers, antioxidants,lubricants, and foaming agents, catalysts,phthalates and per- and polyfluoroakyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS are a class of over 16,000 "forever"chemicals. All can bioaccumulate in ourtiodies and the environment. They canpersist for hundreds to thousands ofyears, and they threaten our food supply^PFAShas been found in all synthetic turftested by independent and academiclaboratories using proper methods andtechniques.

Research indicates PFAS can cause decreased
fertility, devlopmental, liver, thyroid, and other organ damage, impair vaccine response and causecancers. They bioaccumulate in humans, wild and aquatic life and persist across generations. PFAS
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leach from synthetic turf into air, water and soil as it is exposed to the environment and due to grinding
action from play.Synthetic turf is an impervious material that readilyreaches temperatures of 160°F-180°F and beyond.

It over heats the earth, kills the living biome
beneath and adds to toxic and carcinogenic runoff.

Off gassing of methane and ethylene, 2 powerfulgreenhouse gasses, creates heat islands larger than the footprint of a synthetic playing field,
impacting the surrounding area and contribute toclimate change. .<»
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Turf burns from friction, thermal burns, non-contact
lower extremity injuries and concussions all occurmore frequently on synthetic turf than on naturalgrass fields.

Athletes are increasingly impacted by heat related
illness playing on synthetic surfaces. Deaths fromheat stroke doubled from 2015 to 2017 whencompared to the 5 preceding years. Footballplayers are eleven times more likely to suffer a heatrelated illness playing on synthetic turf.Synthetic turf requires more water than drought tolerant Bermuda varieties in order to bring the
surface temperature down to a level comparable tonatural grass for safe play. The cooling requires approximately 12 thousand gallons of water andlasts for some 20 minutes. 9»
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Synthetic turf requires approximately 989 gallons of
water to produce 1 square meter of turf- estimated
to be the equivalent of watering a square meter of
natural grass for 18 years. For a regulation sized
field (80 thousand square feet), 7,353,160 gallons
would be required; Water for cleaning pollution,
bodily fluids, animal waste, mold, bacteria andmore from plastic turf, often a condition of warranty,is also needed.Synthetic turf is a mixed plastic and not amenable to recycling. To date, no synthetic playing field has
been recycled into a field. Highly pollutingadvanced chemical recycling is not a viablealternative and poses health risks to workers andsurrounding communities. Current removal,transport and landfilling is estimated to be $64k to $148k. Many landfills will not accept this hazardous
material. It is frequently illegally disposed of and
continues to contaminate the environment for theestimated 450+ years it takes to decompose.

Microplastic pollution from synthetic fields poses
additional threat to soil, air and water pollution as
well as environmental harm. Each year, 2 to 3
thousandpounds of broken blades migrate of eachregulation sized (80k square foot) field. One to fivetons of additional pollution is walked off a field in the form of the infill added on top of a synthetic fieldto support the plastic blades and provide cushioning.
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At a cost of approximately 4.3 times greater than
properly installed and maintained natural grass
fields, synthetic turi: is a poor investment. State ofthe art natural grass fields can last 30 years and a less expensive to maintain over time if organically
managed. Water use is lower with drought tolerant
varieties and zero emission maintenance
equipment mitigates green house gas emissions.Synthetic turf, by contrast has a warranty of 8 to 10years, costs on average $1.2 million to install,required water, specialized gas or diesel maintenance equipment, herbicide use to abate
weed and mold growth, annual infill replacement
and hardness testing and potential lawsuits from
injury.
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For more information:
safehealthvplavinafields.orahttDS://iournals.Dlos.ora/Dlosone/article?id=10.1371/iourn al.Done.0200574
httDS://www.ewe.org/news-insiehts/news/2023/02/wildlifewarnine-more-330-SDecies-contaminated-forever-chemicals httDS://www.theauardian.com/societv/2021/mar/28/sha n aa-swan-fertilitv-reproduction-count-down httDS://www.endocrine.ora/toDics/edc/Dlastics-edcs-andhealth SAFEHEM.THY I
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Sent:

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Gao, Beilei
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 3:53 PM
Iraheta, Alba
Fw: MSC meeting June 23, 2026
Doc1 .docx
From: Suzanne York
Sent: Tuesday, 23 June 2026 15:44:47
To: Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>Subject: MSC meeting June 23, 2026 [ 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 (PAB). For more information about the PAB view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.
1 To: Councilmembers Rick Cole, Justin Jones, Tyron Hampton, and Jason Lyon Pasadena Municipal Services CommitteeSubject: Please Reject Any Further Investment in Artificial Turf Fields in PasadenaDear Councilmembers Cole, Jones, Hampton, and Lyon, I am writing to urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to vote against any expenditure ofpublic funds for artificial turf fields in Pasadena- whether described as a "new" installation or a "replacement" project. A replacement artificial turf field is, in reality, a new artificial turf field, and Pasadena should not be investing another dollar in a product that poses growing risks to public health, the environment, and taxpayers.

This decision should not be difficult.The evidence against artificial turf continues to mount. Across the country, communities, school districts, environmental organizations, physicians, and public health advocates are raising seriousconcerns about the safety of synthetic fields. Emerging research suggests potential links betweenartificial turf materials and a variety of cancers, particularly endocrine-related cancers. Whilescientists continue to study the long-term impacts, the unanswered questions alone should giveus pause. When the health of children is at stake, uncertainty should lead us toward caution-not toward further investment.

At the same time, the evidence regarding injuries is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.Professional athletes have spoken out repeatedly about the dangers of artificial surfaces. Even the NFL Players Association has acknowledged significantly higher injury rates on synthetic turf compared with natural grass. Studies have found injury rates ranging from 54% to nearly 70% higher on artificial surfaces for certain types of injuries. If the most highly conditioned athletes inthe world are being injured at greater rates on artificial turf, why would we knowingly place Pasadena's children on the same type of surface?But the health concerns extend far beyond athletic injuries.

Artificial turf is fundamentally incompatible with Pasadena's environmental goals.Our city has spent years developing climate action strategies, reducing urban heat, protecting public health, and building resilience. Yet artificial turf works directly against those objectives.

Synthetic fields can reach temperatures far exceeding natural grass, often becoming dangerously hot during Southern California summers. They contribute significantly to the urban heat islandeffect by replacing living, cooling landscapes with petroleum-based plastic surfaces.This concern is even more urgent today.

Our community is still recovering from the devastating impacts of the Eaton Fire. Residents arealready experiencing increased heat vulnerability due to the loss of thousands of mature trees and vegetation. We should be restoring natural cooling systems wherever possible- not installing large expanses ofheat-absorbing plastic that make our neighborhoods hotter.Artificial turf also sheds microplastics into our environment. Those particles do not disappear.They enter our soil, our waterways, our wildlife habitats, and ultimately our bodies. Everysynthetic field becomes a long-term source of plastic pollution.

And when these fields reach the end of their useful life- typically within eight to ten years—theycreate another problem.They cannot truly be recycled in any meaningful or large-scale way.

The vast majority of artificial turf fields end up in landfills. Thousands of pounds of plasticcarpet, rubber infill, backing materials, and adhesives become waste that future generations mustmanage. We would be creating an environmental liability while claiming to pursue sustainability.

Even the financial argument for artificial turf fails under scrutiny.

Proponents often focus on reduced watering costs while ignoring the full lifecycle expenses.

When replacement costs, disposal costs, maintenance costs, sanitation costs, repairs, grooming, cooling treatments, and eventual field replacement are included, synthetic turf frequently costs substantially more than natural grass over a ten-year period.

Taxpayers deserve an honest accounting.And even if artificial turf and natural grass cost the same- which they do not- how could we possibly assign a dollar value to children's health, increased injury risks, hotter neighborhoods,plastic pollution, and environmental degradation? Some have argued that natural grass fields are impractical because of lighting limitations or othersite constraints. Mr. Panossian has cited lighting challenges as one reason synthetic surfaces are being considered.

Respectfully, inadequate lighting should not become an excuse for adopting a harmful solution.

If lighting is the issue, then let us address the lighting issue.If drainage is the issue, let us improve drainage.If field durability is the issue, let us explore modern turf-management practices, drought-tolerantgrass species, regenerative soil practices, improved irrigation technologies, rotational field use,field-restoration programs, and natural surface innovations that communities across the countryare already using successfully.These are solvable challenges.

Pasadena has some of the brightest engineers, landscape architects, environmental professionals, parks experts, and community advocates in California. Surely we can design playing fields that are safe, sustainable, and fiscally responsible without covering our parks and schools in plastic.

The question before you is not whether we can afford natural solutions.The question is whether we can afford the consequences of artificial ones.

Years from now, Pasadena residents may ask whether we knew the risks. Whether we understood the health concerns. Whether we were aware of the enviroiimental costs. Whether we knew these products would become landfill waste. Whether we understood their contribution toheat and pollution.

Today, the answer is yes.

We do know.

And because we know, we have a responsibility to act accordingly.

Please reject any funding for artificial turf installations or replacements. Instead, direct staff topursue natural grass fields and nature-based solutions that protect public health, support climateresilience, preserve environmental quality, and reflect Pasadena's values.

Our children deserve fields that nurture their health.

Our residents deserve neighborhoods that stay cooler.

Our taxpayers deserve investments that last.And our environment deserves better than plastic.

I respectfully urge you to vote no.

Sincerely,
Suzanne York
Pasadena ResidentEnvironmental Advocate
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:

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Subject:Attachments:

Cynthia Cannady
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 4:20 PM
Gao, Beilei
No to marketing generalities when our children's health is at stakeArtificial Turf research list.docx [ I ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Reportphish using the Phish Alert Button (PAB). For more information about the PAB view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.

My concern is the health and safety of the children who play on Pasadena's fields.

The claims of the Artificial Turf industry that new types of AT are safer and sustainable remind me of the old cigarette commercials that claimed that menthol was cool and better than unfiltered cigarettes like Camels.For AF, the reality depends on what chemicals are in each layer of the artificial turf. I have written to City staff to ask for this specific information and what I received was clear as mud.

The staff memo seeks to reassure the community and the Council with vague statements about the infill being "natural" and "organic".

These terms are misleading. AF has 5-6 layers, not just infill. What about the plastic blades? I encourage the Council to hold off on any decision until staff provides specifics to Council about the actual chemicalingredients in each layer of a proposed AF product.

The global $billion AF business knows it has a marketing problem. That's why it has filed lawsuits to intimidatescientists who were trying to provide the public with information about the health dangers. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/climate/artificial-turf-grass-lawsuit-defamation-healthrisk.html There have been many studies on the toxicity of artificial turf, especially on children, focussing on cancer, estrogen changes, and asthma and respiratory illness. Attached is a partial list of references.Even if artificial turf were pure as the driven snow, AF intensifies the urban heat effect. Do we really want more heat and toxic air in our communjty?
It's not true that there are no alternatives. This community deserves good clean playing fields that don't expose children to health risks.

It's not true that AF is cheaper to maintain, as was made clear in the last MSC meeting.

I urge Council members to insist on specific information about the chemical components of any artificial turf product that staff proposes to purchase BEFORE making a decision. Reject the proposed carte blanche approach. Refuse the vague and misleading marketing approach and insist on facts.

The health of our children is at stake.Cynthia Cannady
Resident District 6
Artificial Turf research list; Cynthia Cannady
ttps://www.bcpp.org/artificial-turf-hidden-health-risks-parents-should-know/ httes://www.usf.edu/health/public-health/news/2024/turf,asE)xFrom the Silent Spring Institute on artificial turf and breast cancer. "Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the United Statesl, 2and rates of breast cancer in the US are increasing for all females, including in females too young to begin mammogram screening,2, 3 indicating the role of environmental exposures. Among people in the US under age 50, breast cancerincidence is 6 times more common than any type of cancer in males, and rates ofdeath from breast cancer are more than double that of any other cancer in either sex.4 Given the enormity of this public health burden, it is critical to preventexposures that may increase breast cancer risk.""We urge DTSC to strongly consider regulating artificial turf containing CandidateChemicals as a Priority Product in order to protect California's vulnerablecommunities from unnecessary exposure to chemicals of health concern. Exposures to chemicals from artificial turf is of particular concern to school-age children, and the alarmingly high rates of breast cancer in premenopausal people and those who are too young to begin cancerscreening underscores the particular susceptibility of females to carcinogenic exposures." (emphasis added).

Cal EPA, Dept of Toxic Substances, 2024: "Based on our evaluation, we are concerned about the potential for adverse impacts from exposure to Candidate Chemicals in artificial turf, which is a product frequently used by sensitivesubpopulations, including young children." https://dtsc.ca.gov/wpcontent/uploads/sites/31/2024/07/Backaround-Document-on-CandidateChemicals-in-Artificial-Turf.pdfNew England Journal of Medicine, https://www.nejm.org/doJ/fult/10.1056/NEJMms2409092 httDS://www.uml.edu/docs/PFAS%20in%20Artificial%20Turf%20- %20Academic%20MuniciDal%20%26%200ther%20Tests%20Auci%202024 torn 18-386957.Ddf
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
From:

Sent:

To:

Subject:

Attachments:

Terry Saucier
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 4:21 PM
Gao, BeileiPublic Comment Special Meeting, June 23, 2026_Synthetic Turf - For the Public Record Public comments - City of Pasadena Special Meeting, June 23-Artificial Turf.pdf I You don't often get email from
I .am why this is important
[ 1] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Reportphish using the Phish Alert Button (PAB). For more information about the PAB view article "KB0011474" on the DolT portal.

Dear Chair, Vice Chair, and Members of the MSC Committee:

It's Time to Ban Artificial turf installations - due to its harmful impacts on human health, the environment and wildlife - and to prioritize nature-based solutions.

I am writing to you on behalf of the SoCal Stop Artificial Turf Task Force. We areadvocating with coalition partners for a ban on artificial turf installations across all applicationsdue to its harmful impacts on human health, the environment and wildlife. The tonight's presentation as outlined in the agenda leaves out many details about artificial turf and its negative impacts including: it's toxicity to people, air, water, soil, it's too hot even onmoderate days (coconut in-fill won't change that) leading to less playable hours, flammability, it's an impervious surface that prevents stormwater recharge, thereby increasing the likelihood of flooding, it contributes to climate change from cradle to grave, harmsbiodiversity, can't be recycled and will continue polluting the environment for 1,000s of years to come. Medical Associations are sounding the alarm, and other cities and states are transitioning away from synthetic turf across all applications and turning to nature-based solutions -California native plants and sustainably managed drought-tolerant grasses that use less water, thrive in our climate, recharge our groundwater, and can meet playable hoursneeded.

Our Coalition letter is here, and attached is a general overview of primary concerns.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kind regards,
Terry Saucier
SoCal Stop Artificial Turf Task Force
For more information visit: httDS://www.ncsa.la/artificial turf June 23, 2026
City of Pasadena
Sent via email:

RE: Special Meeting, June 23, 2026
Public Comments - Synthetic Turf
Request: Recommend a ban on installations of synthetic turf across al! applications Dear Chair, Vice Chair, and Members of the MSC Committee:

The SoCal Stop Artificial Turf Task Force is part of a coalition of more than 60 organizations that are calling for a ban on artificial turf installations across all applications, due to its harmful impacts on human health, the environment and wildlife.

We support nature-based solutions: California native plants and drought-tolerantgrasses that use less water, thrive in our climate, recharge our groundwater, and provide food and habitat for local wildlife.Science and real-world experience have proven that artificial turf does not live up to itspromises. Primary concerns about artificial turf are:

Artificial turf is a fossil-fuel based petrochemical plastic that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change from cradle to grave. When accounting for artificial turf's impacts on local communities we also need to include its impact on the communities where the fossil fuels are extracted, the petro-chcmicals and plastics are produced, and the product is discarded. According to a recent study the Elastic industn/ releases about four times as many pjanet-warmEng chemicals_asjTe airline industn/.Artificial turf is toxic. It contains toxic chemicals including PFAS "forever" chemicals,phthalates, flame retardants, and microplastics which are known carcinogens, neurotoxins, and hormone disruptors that can cause asthma, attention deficit disorders, low birth rate, early puberty, and are associated with a long list of cancers. PFAS microplastic exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact and mucousmembrane exposure. Children and athletes are also at risk from the microplastic dust that is kicked up on artificial turf fields. PFAS chemicals bioaccumulate, and aretherefore especially harmful to children and young adults who are still developing and may be exposed from an early age. Multiple medical associations have resolutions against using artificial turf, including the Catifomia Medical Association, Santa ClaraCounty Medica! Association, Children's Environmentai Health Center, Mt. Sinaj Hospitai, New York City; and Physicians for Social Responsibilitv. The CatiforniaDepartment of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) is bringing artificial turf under regulation due to PFAS and other toxic chemicals, and considering adding micropiastics to the list of chemicals of concern.

Artificial turf pollutes air, water and soil. These chemicals not only harm those playing on it, but they can leach into the ground and drinking water. Recent EPA 1 findings indicate there is no safe amount of certain PFAS compounds in drinking water, Meanwhile, cities are finding PFAS in local wells, and will pay millions to filter out toxic contaminates and build infrastructure to increase locally sourced drinking water. Run-off from artificial turf also contaminates watersheds, rivers and oceans. Studies have found 12-15% of microplastics in waterways and oceans originate from synthetic turf's plastic blades. The California Coastal Commission hasn't allowed artificial turf in the CaliforniaCoastal Commission permit zone since 2023 when it denied DC Santa Barbara'sapplicatipn for a 3-acre plastic baseball field - due to negative environmental impacts and the fact it isn't superior to natural grass or sustainable. San Francisco should follow suit and stop installing artificial turf to protect the ocean, marine wildlife and coastline communities.

Artificial turf gets too hot and is not a safer playing surface. A recent UC Irvinestydv identified extreme heat as the deadliest weather-related hazard, and found that surfaces like artificial turf, concrete, and rubber can reach temperatures hot enough tocause pain and burns. Artificial turf can be SOT hotter than the air temperature and readily reach temperatures of 160-180T or more, which can increase heat-related health injuries as well as create a heat island effect. Studies also show athletes who play on artificial turf are more likely to have lower extremity injuries and concussions,particuiarly in children. Turf burns from abrasions and exposure to MRSA and other bacteria are also more common. The DC Irvine study also highlighted the importance of natural green cooler spaces to counter extreme heat. This should also be a priority forSan Francisco. To mitigate extreme heat, school districts like the LosAnaeles UnifiedSchool District have artificial turf bans.Artificial turf doesn't save water. More than 989 gallons of water are required to produce one square meter of plastic turf. The amount of water required to cool andclean artificial turf can be greater than that needed to maintain drought-tolerant native trees and plants, and according to artificial turf maintenance manuals, potable water is required. Additionally, artificial turf is an impervious surface, negatively impacting the recharging ofgroundwater and aquifers, while increasing the risk offloading.

Artificial turf is combustible. It presents a serious fire hazard. According to a recent study by GHD Australia, when artificial turf is exposed to heat sources that more closely match real wildfire situations and temperatures, artificial turf is easily flammable. Themelting and burning of artificial turf also release toxic gases including PFAS into the air, which can be inhaled by firefighters, other first responders, and residents. The study also found natural grass provides superior fire safety benefits compared to synthetic alternatives because it contains moisture that can help slow fire spread and does not release toxic fumes when heated.

Artificial turf cannot be recycled. It is made of mixed plastic materials and will never be economically viable for recycling. At the end of its S-to-15-year lifecycle it is sent to a landfill, illegally dumped, or sent out of state for incineration/advanced recycling. Itshould be noted California is suing ExxonMobi! for deceptive plastic recvclina claims. 2 Nothing lives in plastic. California is one of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots with more native plant species than any other state in the U.S. Not only does artificial turf notsupport life, it kills the soil microbes and living organisms beneath it, and takes awayhabitat from insects, birds, and local wildlife above, contributing to the loss ofbiodiversity.

Artificial turf regulations and bans already exist in CA - With the passing of SenatorBen Alien's bill SB676 some California cities have already implemented artificial turfbans including Carmej, M|ltbrae, San Marino (23.16.24), City of San Fern a ndp, and others are considering pursuing regulations and bans including Los Angeles in CF 24- 0602. LA'S Climate Emergency Mobilization Office is recommending a moratorium on the installation of artificial turf until further studies are completed.Cost comparisons - Studies show that over time artificial turf playing fields can costtwo to four times more than properly installed and maintained grass fields. It is a poor investment. When comparing natural grass playing fields to artificial turf, it is important to compare the entire product life cycle including the capital cost of installation, annualmaintenance, sod replacement as needed for natural fields, and surface/in-fill replacement of the synthetic fields, as well as disposal of artificial turf (removal, transport, and landfill fees).

Nature-based solutions are the answer. Artificial turf is NOT a safer playing surface, does not significantly reduce water usage, and is not a sound investment. Installing artificial turf does not take into account the true cost to our children's health and thehealth of our environment. The answer is nature-based solutions - California NativePlants and sustainably managed drought tolerant grasses that use less water, thrive in our climate, recharge our groundwater, and can meet playable hours needed.

Respectfully,
Terry SaucierSoCal Stop Artificial Turf Task Force, Chair 3 From: cityclerk <cityclerk?a)cityofpasadena.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 23,2026 5:08 PMTo: Iraheta, Alba <[email protected]>; Jomsky, Mark <mjomskv(a)cityofpasadena.net>: Robles. Sandra <sarobles(a)citvofDasadena.net>; Sabha, Tamer <[email protected]>: McMillan, Acquanette (Netta) <[email protected]>: Soo. Christine <[email protected]> Subject: R/V: Support for Maintaining Artificial Turf at Villa Parke Soccer Field From: Chris Medinal
Sent: Tuesday, June 23,2026 5:07:48 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To:Acevedo, Gloria <gacevedo(a>cityofpasadena.net>; Morales, Margo <mlmorales(a>cityofpasadena.net>; cityclerk <cityclerk(ascityof pasadena.net>Cc: Carcamo, Jorge <[email protected]>; Bermudez, Marco<mbermude2(a)citvofDasadena.net> Subject: Support for Maintaining Artificial Turf at Villa Parke Soccer Field [A] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or openattachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish AlertButton (PAB). For more information about the PAB view article "KB0011474" on the DolTportal.

Dear Members of the Municipal Ser/ices Committee,
I am writing to express my strong support for maintaining an artificial turf playing surface atVilla Parke Soccer Field and moving forward with the City's proposed next-generatlon turf replacement project.

As a local youth soccer coach, I spend countless hours at Villa Parke with players and families. From my perspective, this field Is one of the most important recreational assets in Pasadena. It serves thousands of youth and adult participants every year and provides a safe, reliable, and accessible place for our community to gather, exercise, and compete.

The reality is that Villa Parke is not a lightly used neighborhood field. It is one of the most heavily utilized soccer facilities In the City. The current turf field allows year-round play and supports a volume of programming that natural grass simply cannot sustain without significant closures, maintenance periods, and reductions in field availability.Converting the field back to grass would create several challenges:
• Reduced access for youth sports programs due to field recovery and maintenance requirements.• Increased cancellations and disruptions following heavy use or wet weather.• Greater water consumption at a time when Southern California continues to prioritize conservation.
• Fewer available playing hours for families, schools, community organizations, and recreational Leagues.
• Additional strain on an already limited inventory of athletic fields throughout Pasadena.

The City's own analysis recognizes that demand for athletic fields already exceeds available capacity and that many organizations are turned away each year due to Limited field availability. Reducing playable hours at Villa Parke would only worsen this challenge.

I also appreciate that the proposed replacement turf system incorporates significantadvancements over earlier generations, including PFAS-free manufacturing, recyclable components, improved drainage, and organic infill materials designed to reduce environmental concerns while maintaining playability and durability.Most importantly, I ask that the Committee consider the impact on Local children and families. For many young athletes, Villa Parke is where they learn teamwork, discipline,confidence, and community. The field is used daily and remains one of Pasadena's mostactive recreational spaces.

I respectfully urge the Committee to support the replacement of the existing field with theproposed next-generation artificial turf system and preserve the year-round access that somany Pasadena families rely upon.

Thank you for your time, service, and consideration.

Respectfully,
Chris MedinaCoach, Villa Parke Youth Soccer LeagueCoach, Rose City Strikers FC 6/24/26, 7:53 AM Mail - Tabaklan. Talia - Outlook
Outlook
Fw: MSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields From Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
Date Wed 6/24/2026 7:50 AM
To Tabakian, Talia <[email protected]>
From: Pilar Reynaldo
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 4:56 PM
To: Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
Cc: Hampton, Tyron <[email protected]>; Cole, Rick <[email protected]>; Jones, Justin <[email protected]>; Lyon, Jason <[email protected]> Subject: MSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields [You don't often get email fromhttps://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Learn why this is important at
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 (PAB). For more information about the PAB 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.

Unlike living grass, synthetic fields provide no environmental benefits. They do not cool the air, supportbiodiversity, 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,
httnR'//oiitlor>koffice.Gom/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADcOZWEOOTk1LTa40GEtNDBINv1hNDRhLTY1YmNmZWQ4MDQ5YaAQAC2U2rTDRvREsTvE8u%ZB... 1/2 6/24/26, 7:53 AM Mail - Tabakian, Talia - Outlook
Pitar Reynaldo
n^Tno-DCc.TxEn.iO/.^o -;/9
6/24/26, 7:54 AM Mail - Tabakian, Talia - Outlook
Outlook
Fw: MSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields From Gao, Beitei <[email protected]>
Date Wed 6/24/2026 7:51 AM
To Tabakian, Talia <[email protected]>
From: Wendy Silva >
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 9:48 PM
To: Gao, Beilei <[email protected]>
Cc: Hampton, Tyron <[email protected]>; Cole, Rick <[email protected]>; Jones, Justin <[email protected]>; Lyon, Jason <[email protected]> Subject: MSC Comment - Item #2 - Please Support a Municipal Moratorium on Plastic Fields 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 thecontent is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button (PAB). For more information about the PAB 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.

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 significantwaste, 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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Pasadena City CouncilOctober 13, 2026

Pasadena City Council
October 13, 2026