The Climate Action Committee of the Town of Concord convened on October 28, 2024, to discuss the future of local athletic fields, particularly the ongoing debate between maintaining artificial turf versus transitioning to natural grass. The meeting featured a range of stakeholders, including community members, committee members, and representatives from local sports organizations.

The session began with Eric Jarnryd, treasurer of Friends of CC Plainfields, presenting the case for replacing the existing turf fields with new turf. He emphasized the high usage of the fields, which accommodate over 4,000 athletes annually, and noted that natural grass would not withstand the wear and tear from such extensive use. Jarnryd highlighted the importance of maintaining turf for the community's youth sports programs and expressed readiness to undertake the replacement project, citing the need for updated turf products with improved performance attributes.

Following Jarnryd, several community members voiced their opinions. Elizabeth Leonard, a local soccer mom, underscored the equity issues surrounding access to sports facilities, arguing that turf fields provide essential opportunities for youth participation in sports. She urged committee members to witness firsthand the vibrant community engagement at the turf fields.

Conversely, Pamela Dred raised concerns about the environmental impact of artificial turf, advocating for the potential of natural grass fields. She referenced advancements in grass technology that could support high usage and questioned the long-term sustainability of artificial turf, particularly regarding disposal and health risks associated with PFAS chemicals.

Dennis Morgan reinforced the argument for turf, citing the financial readiness of CC Fields to fund the replacement without burdening taxpayers. He referenced a recent EPA study indicating no significant health risks associated with turf fields compared to grass, further supporting the case for maintaining the current turf setup.

The committee did not reach a decision during this meeting but emphasized the importance of a balanced decision-making process. The discussions highlighted the complexities of the issue, balancing community needs, environmental considerations, and financial implications. The committee plans to continue evaluating the situation, with further studies and community input expected in future meetings.