Turf? Grass? Or both? What’s the best field surface for athletes to play on in Montgomery County?
The answer is not so simple.
Montgomery County supports thousands of youth and adult athletes each year. Soccer, lacrosse, football, baseball, and many other sports compete for field space.
County leaders and residents have engaged in an ongoing debate: Should Montgomery County invest in more synthetic turf fields? Or should it continue to rely on natural grass?
Opponents of turf fields argue that natural grass provides benefits that synthetic surfaces cannot equal.
Grass fields absorb rainfall, help cool surrounding areas, and contribute to the county’s environmental and sustainability goals.
“In the immediate I think they see it as the easier solution,” said Hannah Donart, Health and Wellness Vice Chair for the Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations. Donart, who is an environmental scientist and mother of two young soccer players, is concerned about the possible long term effects of playing on a turf field.
Donart cites the increased risk of heat related illness and higher rates of skin abrasion and lower body injuries on turf. She is also concerned about the possible environmental contamination and risk of exposure to toxic chemicals that make up the turf.
“I don’t think this is the easier solution and in the long term our kids will be paying the consequences and the costs for the decisions that are short sighted,” Donart said.
Supporters of synthetic turf argue that turf fields can accommodate significantly more hours of play than natural grass.
“We like it all,” said Tom Cove, Chair of Montgomery County Sports Advisory Committee. “Good grass, good turf, the whole point is good access for kids in our communities.”
Heavy rain and frequent use often force grass fields to close for maintenance. Turf fields though, can remain open more consistently throughout the year.
“I like both of them but I will say I think that bad turf is better than bad grass,” MSI soccer coach Christine Li said.
“I like grass because turf is plastic and I don’t like it, said MSI soccer player Maeve Husain. “Turf is slippery and grass is better.
For now, the debate over grass and turf in Montgomery County is far from settled.
