During the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board Meeting on November 21, 2024, discussions centered around the sustainability and maintenance of athletic fields, particularly the use of artificial turf versus natural grass. The board highlighted the increasing demand on the existing turf field, which is heavily utilized by numerous athletic teams. Concerns were raised about the wear and tear on the field, especially after events like football games, which can lead to significant operational challenges in maintaining a single field for the entire athletics department.

The board discussed a proposal to add a new layer of turf and infill over the existing shock pad, which still has 15 years of usable life. This approach aims to extend the field's lifespan by an additional decade while ensuring it mimics the performance characteristics of natural grass. The Shaw system was noted for its studies demonstrating its effectiveness in replicating natural turf performance.

In addition to the maintenance of the field, board members expressed concerns about athlete injuries related to turf use. A parent raised issues regarding the potential for infections from turf burns, suggesting that the school should collect data on injuries sustained on the turf. The board agreed to gather information from the athletics department regarding documented injuries and the maintenance requirements of natural grass fields, including the costs associated with increased watering and staffing needs.

The conversation also touched on the implications of transitioning to natural grass fields, including the potential downtime required for maintenance and how it might affect the scheduling of sports programs. Board members acknowledged the challenges of maintaining natural grass, particularly with the current high level of year-round participation in sports.

As the meeting progressed, the board emphasized the importance of being thoughtful in their decision-making regarding turf replacement, especially in light of concerns about "forever chemicals" associated with certain turf products. The discussions underscored the need for a comprehensive understanding of the long-term impacts of their choices on student athletes and the sustainability of their athletic programs.

The board plans to compile the requested information and report back in a future update, ensuring that all aspects of field maintenance and athlete safety are thoroughly considered before making any final decisions.