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Ventura neighborhood residents urge Palo Alto to drop artificial turf from park projects
Summary
Multiple residents spoke at public comment about concerns that artificial turf planned for neighborhood parks could harm children, create heat islands and introduce microplastics; they asked the council to direct staff to seek alternatives.
At the Feb. 3 Palo Alto City Council meeting several residents from the Ventura neighborhood urged the city to replace planned artificial turf at neighborhood parks with natural surfaces, calling out health and environmental concerns.
Speakers said they appreciated early outreach on designs for Boulware Park and John Bullworth Park but said that plans that include artificial turf for dog‑play areas and playgrounds create health risks for children and add plastics to the environment.
"Artificial turf creates heat islands where the turf can get up to 140 degrees on a hot day," said Magdalena Cabrera, a resident who lives across from John Bullworth Park. Cabrera also cited concerns about microplastics and "toxic off‑gassing" from plastics used in turf. Claire Elliott, a retired environmental engineer and Ventura resident, told the council she had asked the landscape architect whether dog parks and playgrounds would use artificial surfacing and said she was told that owners requested that material: "I was concerned about that, and he told me that the majority of dog owners requested that surfacing." Elliott added concerns about the materials' lifespan and disposal.
Other speakers said they preferred grass, wood mulch or native plantings for their benefits to pollinators and community use. "I personally like grass. I want to put the blanket down on the grass, have a picnic. I don't want to put a blanket down on the turf," said Carla Ray, a Ventura resident for 35 years. Angela Della Porta said alternatives are available and asked the city to direct the department to replace recently laid artificial turf with healthier alternatives.
Council members acknowledged the comments and asked staff how to respond. Councilmember Rekdal asked whether the matter would need to be agendized or referred to the Parks and Recreation Department; staff replied that they had received concerns and would prepare a response and undertake outreach with immediate neighbors. No action was taken at the Feb. 3 meeting.
