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Neighbors urge Rec and Park to reconsider artificial turf plans at Crocker Amazon, cite microplastic and PFAS concerns
Summary
During general public comment the commission heard sustained opposition to proposed artificial‑turf work (including Crocker Amazon) from residents and environmental advocates citing microplastics, PFAS, heat and recycling failures; speakers asked the department to halt or reevaluate projects and to prioritize community‑led processes.
San Francisco — Several members of the public used the Recreation and Park Commission’s Nov. 20 general public‑comment period to oppose proposed artificial‑turf projects, notably referencing the Crocker Amazon field plan, and to urge Rec and Park to prioritize community‑led alternatives and environmental review.
Speakers cited recent policy moves elsewhere and scientific concerns: one commenter referenced a Los Angeles Unified School District decision to prohibit new artificial turf at early‑education and K‑8 fields and urged San Francisco to ‘‘follow the science’’ on microplastic shedding and chemical leaching. Another speaker said San Francisco’s past attempts at turf recycling failed and warned of long‑lasting microplastic and PFAS contamination, arguing the city should not ‘‘layer in 20 acres of plastic’’ at Crocker Amazon.
Community advisory and neighborhood representatives urged more extensive outreach than the three meetings Rec and Park typically schedules, with a Prozac vice chair (Sophie Constantino) saying the community turnout at a Crocker Amazon meeting was large and that three meetings are insufficient for meaningful participation. Speakers also noted potential maintenance and heat concerns and questioned lifecycle costs.
No formal agenda item on Crocker Amazon was before the commission on Nov. 20; these remarks were entered as public comment and the commission did not take an action at the meeting to change project plans. Staff and commissioners acknowledged receipt of community concerns and the existence of related studies and prior project materials; next steps were not specified on the record.
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