Letter to the Editor: In Opposition to Artificial Turf

Dear Superintendent Patrick, Members of the Board of Education, Mayor Arest, Deputy Mayor Gruenberg and Trustees,

I am writing to express my deep concern about and opposition to the installation of artificial turf on school and Village grounds. As you are aware, it is well-settled that artificial turf causes serious health and environmental harm.

New York State's ban, effective December 31, 2026, on the sale of carpet--which includes by definition artificial turf--that contains PFAS substances underlines one of the main reasons why Scarsdale should not approve the installation of artificial turf. Without guarantees that the artificial turf to be installed is devoid of toxic substances (not only PFAS), any approval would be ill-conceived. Of course, artificial turf presents other serious issues such as greater rates of injuries, unsafe surface temperatures which will only increase with climate change, the exorbitant upfront cost which will not necessarily be offset by maintenance expenses, and limited longevity of approximately 8-10 years.

I urge you to prioritize the health and safety of our children and environment over any additional practice/game time a limited number of students will theoretically be getting on artificial turf versus natural turf. For generations, Scarsdale students have successfully participated in sports--many going on to play in college--without the issue of perceived adequate practice/game time hindering them.

Designating school and Village funds for improved natural turf management rather than for the purchase of artificial turf will align with the well-documented scientific data and New York State ban that warn against the installation of artificial turf.

Sincerely,
Joan Weissman