Local Schools, Mayor React to Potential Ban on Turf: Better Play Today Newsletter
At a time when high-quality recreation is at a premium, a moratorium on turf risks standing in the way of safe and accessible opportunities for play.
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Legislators in Maine last week held a public hearing for proposed bill LD 1177, which would place a moratorium on the installation and renovation of artificial turf fields. At a time when high-quality recreation is at a premium, a moratorium on turf risks standing in the way of safe and accessible opportunities for play.
Local stakeholders have cited turf’s increased durability and cost-efficiency in opposing the proposed ban.
Jeffrey Porter, a superintendent in Cumberland-North Yarmouth, wrote in a letter that turf would help “level the playing field” for local students. He noted that turf in his community provides students and parents a place to play close to home even after bad weather — instead of having to locate alternative fields that are often 30 minutes away or more.
Similarly, an administrator from the University of Maine, chief external and government affairs officer Samantha Warren, testified against the bill. Warren said turf is attractive to potential athletic recruits, a boon for the state’s only Division I program.
Plus, Portland Mayor Mark Dion highlighted the benefits of safe play that his city has experienced since installing artificial turf surfaces. He wrote,
“Portland has made strategic investments in synthetic turf fields to meet the recreational needs of youth sports groups, schools athletics, and adult sports leagues. Given the short growing season in Maine and the high rate of field usage in a city of our size, synthetic turf has allowed us to provide safe, durable, and accessible athletic spaces throughout the year.”
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By contrast, grass fields require costly and diligent upkeep — including significant irrigation and applications like fertilizers and pesticides — to remain playable.
A recent study from the California EPA underscored the robust scientific research behind turf safety.
Recycled Rubber News
Danville installing new artificial turf for football field (Knox Pages): In Danville, Ohio, administrators cited the durability and versatility of turf after installing it as their high school football surface. “With turf, we can use it 365 days a year, where with grass we are only able to use it 40 times a year and that is really limited only to football,” Head Coach Matt Blum said.
Fresh turf continues to be laid at McMahon Stadium (Global News): The Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League are installing fresh turf at historic McMahon Stadium. The turf endures difficult wintry conditions late in the season and will host for the 113th Grey Cup, the CFL’s championship game, in November 2026.
Catoosa Co. residents can dispose of scrap tires for free on April 26 (Local3 News): Residents in Catoosa County, Georgia, will have the opportunity to dispose of scrap tires for free. Instead of going to landfills or being discarded, the tires will go to a recycling facility for use in a wide range of applications.
What We’re Reading
Final Thoughts
When bills like the recently proposed legislation in Maine show up, we at the Better Play Initiative are here to provide stakeholders and community members with the latest research on surfaces using recycled rubber. The proven safety, accessibility and sustainability of these surfaces offer significant benefits for communities.
Find more resources on the safety, durability and accessibility of recycled rubber surfaces at the BPI website.
Have any questions or are interested in getting involved? Reach out at media@betterplaytoday.org.
