by Charles Ray

Created on: March 28, 2009   Last Updated: March 29, 2009

Should synthetic turf be used on town athletic fields? Synthetic turf looks nice - it's evenly green and requires no water, fertilizer or effort to keep it that way. That probably sounds like I am recommending it. Before you go out and buy several square meters and cover all your playing fields, read on. There are a few other factors to consider.

First, if you have ever played football, baseball or softball on artificial surfaces, you know that they are not as resilient as the real thing. When your body collides with or slides over synthetic turf, you feel it. Injuries are the bane of any sport, but they really take the fun out of amateur athletics - especially for kids. The rate of injuries; sprains and abrasions; always seem higher on artificial turf. Not only does this diminish the amateur sports program, but it leaves a town vulnerable to personal injury suits and damage claims which can negate the money saved on grounds maintenance.

Secondly, artificial surfaces on playing fields are environmentally unsound. The turf does not allow soil to breathe or replenish necessary nutrients, and while grass does not generate as much oxygen through photosynthesis as trees do, turf prevents even that amount of replenishment. The soil under artificial turf becomes sterile, destroying the natural environment for a number of organisms that live in it, such as earthworms.

Finally, synthetic turf does not have the feel or smell of the real thing. There is nothing like diving for a center field line drive on real grass. Feeling the earth and grass beneath your jersey as you slide under that game-winning catch is a feeling like no other. Natural grass also provides proof of your hero-status to that non-athletic spouse. Try to replicate that with artificial turf. Which would you rather do: sprawl on real grass with the feel and smell in your nostrils as you pull air back into straining lungs after a hard-played flag football game, or lie on odorless, uniform synthetic turf? Might as well be at home on your living room floor.

Rather than spending money on the purchase and installation of a synthetic turf on its playing fields, a town would better use the funds to buy extra equipment so that a larger number of its citizens can participate in sports. The purpose of a municipal athletic program is (or should be) to provide a venue for people to improve their physical condition and have fun. What could be more fun than a good game among friends in a natural environment? Leave the synthetic turf with the professionals, let the amateurs enjoy the great outdoors.

Learn more about this author, Charles Ray.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.