UNBELIEVABLE

Several weeks ago, I received a nice email from Ripon, California congratulating Ripon, WI for the hard work and volunteer support of the FieldTurf on Ingalls Field. I re-printed the email on this blog. Lo and behold, a letter showed up last week in the Ripon Record railing on the possibility of FieldTurf in Ripon, CA. Imagine my surpise when I saw the signature at the bottom of the letter....

Think twice about turf for Stouffer
I understand Ripon is diligently researching turf benefits before any future installation and that the Ripon Community Athletic Foundation does not intend to spend any educational dollars on artificial turf, or give enjoyable sports precedence over top priority academics.

Because it does its job well and absorbs the torque and tension of hard play, the natural grass can become damaged. Its beauty and durability must be properly maintained with knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled workers who see their task as a labor of love. Artificial grass does not seem to absorb the abuse. Consequently, the athlete’s ankles and/or knees may become victim to significant injury. Doing thorough feasibility studies in favor, and against, both natural grass and artificial turf is imperative.

Silica sand and rubber pellets are hazardous materials, with MSDS sheets documenting potential, health risks. High temperatures can cause artificial surface to heat up way hotter than natural grass, and serious burns and dangerous inhalation can occur. Plastic surfaces hinder bio-degradation of bodily fluids and contaminants. What is the cost of disinfectants, pesticides, and maintenance equipment, excavation, preparation, rubber-pellet “refills” to prevent cushion loss, necessary carpet replacement, disposal of hazardous materials in special waste areas, proper irrigation and drainage, and new protective gear to help deter new type of injuries? It all adds up.

I encourage Ripon to ask all of the right questions of the natural grass experts and the turf experts, alike, before making an expensive investment. While natural grass is not perfect by any means, artificial turf is not a superior, magic carpet, and each community must carefully weigh the lofty risks with the potential for unique rewards, without prejudice or reservation.

Michele Perr

I bet the people in Ripon, CA would love to know she is from Ripon, WISCONSIN.