Seattle Turning to Artificial Turf

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that 12 ball fields in the city, including some at public schools, have gone to synthetic turf, and that soon about 20 of the 82 public sports fields in the city will have synthetic turf.

The demand for use of Seattle playfields, like in other large cities, far exceeds the supply. Seattle's frequent rains further exacerbate their availability. The better drainage of synthetic turf and the non-mud factor bode well for synthetic here.

The costs of grass vs. synthetic is considered a toss-up. It is more expensive to tend to grass, but the synthetic has to be replaced after 10-15 years.

The conversions from grass to synthetic and other park projects is financed by the $198.2 million Pro Parks Levy that Seattle voters approved in 2000.

Not everyone, of course, is happy with losing the smell and feel of grass. Neighbors for Natural Spaces in Ballard, an incorporated city within Seattle bordered by Puget Sound and Salmon Bay that has maintained its small town qualities and independence, has a goal of keeping natural grass for their playfields (www.noplasticgrass.com).

The Professional Landcare Network points out the benefits of grass turf:

1. A 50' x 50' lawn produces enough oxygen for a family of four.
2. Eight healthy front lawns have the cooling effect of 70 tons of air conditioning-enough for 16 average homes.
3. Dust and smoke particles from the atmosphere are trapped by turf. Grass also converts carbon dioxide to oxygen, a process that helps clean the air.
4. Healthy, dense grass slows down and filters runoff, removing contaminants and trapping soil. Fresh, filtered water returns to the underground water supply.