Sunnyvale commission adds study on limiting synthetic turf to high‑use athletic fields after broad public comment

The Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation Commission voted to add a study asking staff to evaluate a policy that would restrict artificial (synthetic) turf to high‑use athletic fields.

The motion to add study issue 25‑0694 — titled “a policy to limit synthetic turf use in Sunnyvale parks to high use athletic fields” — passed by roll call, 3‑0, with two commissioners absent. Chair David Kesting made the motion; the record shows Chair Kesting, Vice Chair Mason and Commissioner Vermont voted to approve.

The proposed study would review field usage at city parks, compare the cost and playability of natural grass versus synthetic turf and consider policy or zoning changes to limit synthetic turf to athletic areas, according to the study language read aloud by staff. Park Superintendent Jim Stark noted that “staff comment is a city funded study is underway currently similar to this proposed study,” referring to an existing Environmental Services Division study (ESD 24‑01) evaluating artificial turf versus living ground covers.

Public comment at the commission meeting presented a range of views. Susan Hinton, Sierra Club Loma Prieta plastic pollution prevention chair, raised environmental and health concerns about synthetic surfacing, saying the material “gets harder than artificial turf” in sunlight, noting warranty lifespans and concerns about crumb‑ingestion by toddlers. Community for Natural Place Surfaces cofounder Andrea Wold urged the commission to rely on the city’s ongoing consultant study and suggested piloting rehabilitated natural‑grass fields before committing to more synthetic surfaces.

Representatives from local sports groups urged the commission to consider field access and playability. Damon James, president of Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club, said the city’s sports programs face growing demand and that teams need fields they can use year‑round; he told the commission that many teams train and play in the evenings and that “there are not enough adequate fields that are accessible to us.” A resident who supports synthetic turf, Gail, said turf helps keep high‑use fields available and open: “please, I'm really in support of going forward with the, with your report.”

Manufacturers and industry representatives also spoke. Manny Diaz, representing a turf manufacturer, described recent product advances including formulations without PFAS, and said companies have recycling options for end‑of‑life turf.

Commission discussion cited past council decisions about Lakewood Park and noted cost estimates made during council review. Vice Mayor Sell summarized earlier council information that converting from synthetic turf to natural grass reduced the earlier estimate by about $390,000 and produced a total park estimate “for a whole park of 13,000,000.” Andrea Wold and other public speakers disputed some upkeep‑cost figures presented in study materials and asked staff for clarity on lifecycle and maintenance costs.

The commission’s action will attach the topic to the commission’s list of study issues so staff can present findings to commissioners for future consideration. Jim Stark told the commission the city’s ESD study is underway and that the commission’s study can complement that work.

Votes at a glance: the commission also approved routine items earlier in the meeting — the consent calendar and special joint meeting minutes — and elected its chair and vice chair by roll call. The study motion passed 3‑0 with two absences.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to return with clarified cost estimates, a needs assessment of existing fields and options that address both environmental concerns and equitable field access for youth and adult sports groups.