Artificial Turf Study

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We are studying how artificial turf compares to natural grass. This study will look at the benefits, problems and costs of using these materials. It will cover private properties, like homes and businesses. It will also look at public areas, such as fields used for sporting events.

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Contact

Email Environmental Services
Phone: 408-730-7717

PROGRESS AND PUBLIC OUTREACH

This project will have opportunities for public input, including meetings.

Give Your Input

Draft documents and presentations will be posted in advance of each Commission and Council meeting on Legistar.

We encourage you to review these materials and share your feedback in one of the following ways:

Attend a Meeting
Participate in a Commission or Council study session and speak during public comment. Meeting dates are listed in the project schedule. For details on how to participate, visit Making Public Comment.

Submit Written Comments by Email
Send your comments to Environmental Services and address them to the relevant Commission(s) or staff.

Tip: Public comment time during meetings may be limited, so submitting your feedback by email is recommended to ensure your comments are fully received.

Project Schedule

July 28, 2026 at 5 p.m.: City Council Study Session – Draft report, community feedback, and Commission feedback will be presented
June 2026: Commission Study Sessions – Draft report and community feedback will be presented during each Commission meeting:
- Parks and Recreation Commission – Wednesday, June 10 at 7 p.m.
- Sustainability Commission – Monday, June 15 at 7 p.m.
- Planning Commission – Monday, June 22 at 7 p.m.
Feb. 2026: Community Meeting
Jan. to March 2026: Community engagement comment period (survey)
Jan. 2026: Focus groups with Sports and Environmental Groups (invitation only)
Oct. 2025: Project awarded and launched
April to Sept. 2025: Procurement to hire consultant

DOCUMENTS

Reports to Council and Commissions

Agenda Item 23-0977, Oct. 16, 2023 – Sustainability Commission approved Artificial Turf Study Issue

Report to Council 24-0824, Aug. 27, 2024 – Consider a New Council Policy to Ban the Use of Artificial Turf at City Facilities and Open Space

City Council Special Meeting, Feb. 15, 2024 – City Council approved Study Issue ESD 24-01, Evaluate the Use of Artificial Turf versus Living Groundcovers

Report to Council 24-0821, Sept. 10, 2024 – Consider Modifying the Scope of Work for Study Issue ESD 24-01

BACKGROUND

The Sustainability Commission sponsored Study Issue ESD 24-01 in Aug. 2024. The Study was proposed after community members shared concerns about artificial turf.

On Feb. 15, 2024, City Council approved the Study. The Council set aside $100,000 for staff and a consultant to:

Review existing research
Look at the life cycle of artificial turf and ways to improve maintenance
Study how the City’s athletic fields are used
Compare costs
Provide policy recommendations

On Aug. 27, 2024, City Council asked staff to suggest an update to the Study. This update added work to:

Take a closer look at maintenance practices
Research ways to improve the quality and use of the City’s natural grass fields
Explore options for building new natural grass fields in the future

On Sept. 10, 2024, City Council approved the update to the Study. Because the scope grew, the Council increased the budget to $150,000.