Norwalk council approves grass outfields and clay infields for Broad River baseball complex after heated turf debate

The Norwalk Common Council on June 24 authorized staff to finish the design for the proposed Broad River Baseball Complex and to proceed toward contracting with a plan that uses natural grass outfields and clay infields, after an extended public discussion about the environmental and health risks of artificial turf.

The vote follows more than two hours of public participation in which parents, youth players, coaches, environmental groups and nearby residents urged the council either to approve turf for playability and lower maintenance or to reject turf because of potential impacts on groundwater and the Norwalk River. Council members said they weighed those competing concerns before supporting the grass-and-clay option.

The debate centered on three issues: children’s access and safety, long-term maintenance and cost, and potential contamination of a nearby aquifer and downstream shellfish areas. Supporters of a synthetic infield said turf would reduce rainouts, extend the season and lower annual maintenance costs. Opponents cited studies and letters from public-health researchers and watershed groups warning that some artificial fields contain PFAS and microplastics that can enter stormwater and groundwater in sensitive areas.

"If there was one iota of risk, which there is, why would you risk public health, especially when it's not necessary?" said Kara Jennings, a Broad River neighborhood resident. Jennings said parking, amplified noise and light from a larger athletic complex also would harm nearby…