The Use of Artificial Turf in Parks and Schoolyards

Artificial turf is widely used in many settings across the U.S., from professional sports facilities and parks to schoolyards and private yards. Artificial turf offers both benefits and potential risks. Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a major nonprofit partner in the renovation and construction of parks and community schoolyards across the U.S., and some of our park and schoolyard projects use artificial turf. As an organization, TPL is committed to:

• Maximizing the benefits of artificial turf, and reducing and managing its risks;

• Diligently tracking the emerging evidence on artificial turf risks, transparently sharing the evidence of which we are aware, and basing our approach on that evidence;

• Centering community voices in all decisions regarding the choice of play surfaces;

• Advocating for the artificial turf industry to eliminate risks through the development of safe, sustainable products that prioritize public health and environmental stewardship.

This document describes TPL’s approach to the use of artificial turf in schoolyards, sports fields, and other recreational surfaces, but not under playground equipment (where a range of other surfaces is available, such as resilient rubber surfacing, Corkeen, and Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF)). Both advantages and disadvantages are best considered in terms of “Compared to what?”. The principal alternatives are natural grass turf and asphalt on these surfaces. Relative to each of these, artificial turf offers both advantages and disadvantages. This document outlines the evidence and general principles that can inform others in weighing the advantages and potential drawbacks of using artificial turf.

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TPL advocates for full transparency with regard to the materials used in artificial turf, as well as the development of innovative artificial turf products that eliminate risks to people and the planet. We’re doing this both through our purchasing power and by urging manufacturers to prioritize safe and sustainable materials that safeguard public health and the environment.