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Councilors keep turf-to-grass ordinance in committee after debate over existing fields and decision authority
Summary
An ordinance sponsored by Councilor Rogers to favor natural grass over artificial turf was held in committee so sponsors can work with legislative staff, the Parks Department and the city solicitor on amendments; councilors debated replacing existing turf, heat and health concerns, and who should decide surface changes.
Councilor Rogers introduced an ordinance to transition city fields toward "environmentally sustainable organic grass" and to require council approval before approving turf in cases of extraordinary need. The committee agreed to hold the item so the sponsor can meet with legislative staff and department heads to refine language and circulate a final package.
Rogers said the ordinance is intended as a gradual, lifespan-based transition, not an immediate removal of existing turf, and left an exception clause allowing the council to permit turf in special circumstances. "There is a line in this ordinance that specifies that any existing turf would only be replaced on the expiration of its natural lifespan," Rogers said.
Rogers emphasized safety, environmental and economic rationales: "Studies have shown that athletes are less prone to injury on natural grass," he said, and added that synthetic turf can be hotter, citing a Lynn incident where "about 10 students this summer...had to be hospitalized due to the higher temperature of turf." He also raised concerns about chemicals in some synthetic products.
Councilor Smith said she opposed replacing existing turf, arguing some fields should remain turf due to use, maintenance and scheduling needs. "I don't agree with changing a turf back to grass," she said, and urged that Parks Department staff be consulted on surface decisions and that the council not be the default decision-maker for technical field choices.
Councilors proposed amendments including explicit consultation with the Parks Department and adjustments to sections cited in the draft (sections identified in the packet as 17-140 through 17-142). The chair and members also noted conflicting packet versions and directed the sponsor to meet with legislative research analyst Mr. Flood to incorporate recommendations and distribute an updated draft to committee members prior to the next meeting.
The committee voted to keep the ordinance in legislative affairs and to invite Parks Department representatives and the city solicitor for further review.
