Board approves synthetic turf pads for full-day kindergarten after safety debate

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District board voted 7-1 on May 19 to approve installation of approximately 1,000 square feet of synthetic turf pads at elementary schools to support the district's transition to full-day kindergarten. The contract award to Keystone Sports Construction is for $142,915.36 and is funded by a Longwood Foundation grant.

Board member Doctor Key raised scientific and health concerns during the facilities discussion, saying she could not "get there" on supporting the project without more time for review. Key summarized potential exposures she had researched, including volatile organic compounds, plasticizers, PFAS and microplastics, and asked whether the product is designed and engineered primarily for young children.

Facilities staff member Mister Weitzel said the district had sought a product without rubber infill, removed backing that carries recycled material, and chosen a sand-filled base as an alternative to infill. "I believe that this is a safe alternative product for us to use and create these spaces with," Weitzel said, adding that the intent is to get children outside for play even when natural surfaces are wet.

Several board members, including Miss Talbert and Mister Schartz, emphasized the practical benefits for full-day kindergarten: more reliable access to outdoor learning and play, reduced cancellations because of wet or muddy fields, and lower fall and concussion risks compared with some unpaved surfaces. Talbert said the pads could serve as a "jumping-off point" for outdoor lessons rather than an area where children would simply sit for long periods.

Weitzel said alternatives had been considered (poured urethane surfaces, hardscape, crushed stone) but that those options had trade-offs and would not be available by the start of school if the board rejected this summer's contract. He told the board a delay would likely push any alternative project into the following year.

The motion to approve the Keystone Sports Construction proposal carried 7-1. Doctor Key cast the lone vote against the awarding of the contract; other board members supported the project and said they would continue to monitor research and safety information while the work is installed.

The board record shows the project is funded through the district's long-range facilities plan and a grant from the Longwood Foundation. Board members noted the turf sections are intended to reduce mud, extend usable outdoor time for five- and six-year-old students, and complement natural play spaces such as fields and woods.

Next steps: the contract will proceed for summer installation so the pads are ready for the start of the full-day kindergarten program in August. Several board members asked staff to continue reviewing emerging science on synthetic surfaces and related exposures.

Votes and key specifics appear in the district's facilities agenda and in the board minutes.