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Adelanto council approves Marconi Park artificial turf despite PFAS and heat concerns
Summary
The council approved a $400,000 contract to replace the Marconi Park football field with artificial turf, citing player safety and water savings; callers urged an environmental initial study, citing PFAS contamination and microplastic shedding. Council cited CEQA exemptions and discussed infill options to reduce heat.
The Adelanto City Council voted May 27 to award a $400,000 professional services agreement for artificial turf at Marconi Park, approving staff’s recommendation and concluding that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
City staff said the existing natural turf had deteriorated and posed safety risks for youth athletes, and the replacement will be paid from the Park Development Fund, not the general fund. "This upgrade gives our players the ability and the time to learn how to play on the fields they’ll see in high school," Councilwoman Evans said, arguing the turf provides a safer, more consistent playing surface.
The decision drew sharp public concern about environmental and health impacts. Caller Cynthia Fan urged the council to “decline the exemption determination” and direct staff to prepare an initial study before approving the project, citing a February Department of Toxic Substances Control statement that raised PFAS and microplastic risks from artificial turf. Another resident said heat and potential skin burns remain a worry in high desert summers.
Councilmembers and staff responded by noting mitigation options and industry changes. The city attorney told the council the applicable CEQA authorities were a Class 4 (minor alterations) and a Class 1 (existing facilities) exemption and recommended proceeding. Mayor Pro Tem Ramos said manufacturers now make turf with undetectable PFAS levels and council discussion emphasized infill choices — sand, organic infill, or cooling technologies — as ways to reduce surface temperatures.
Council members also flagged water‑savings benefits from removing irrigated grass and discussed phasing and grant opportunities for adjacent park improvements. After debate and public comment, the council approved the contract and CEQA exemption; staff said installation could begin in June and be completed before August youth season.
The council directed staff to document product specifications, including any PFAS testing and infill materials, and to report back if new environmental evidence warrants revisiting the exemption. No individual roll‑call vote tally tied to names was recorded in the transcript.
Next step: Staff will finalize the agreement, schedule construction with the contractor, and return with any additional implementation details or testing documentation requested by the council.
