Westport has 4 artificial turf playing fields: Paul Lane and Jinny Parker at Staples, Wakeman just north of Bedford Middle School, and PJ Romano behind Saugatuck Elementary School.
There has been talk of turfing at least one more surface at Wakeman, and Loeffler at Staples.
Turf fields require much less maintenance than grass fields. However, they must be replaced every 10 years or so.
Paul Lane Field at Staples High School is one of Westport’s 4 artificial surfaces.
Nearly every other town in Connecticut has multiple turf fields too.
Their future would be in doubt, if a bill proposed by 2 state representatives passes.
The “Act Prohibiting State And Municipal Contracts For The Purchase And Installation Of Artificial Turf Fields” asks that
the general statutes be amended to provide that on and after October 1, 2023, no municipality, including, but not limited to, any school district, and no private entity, department or agency of the state shall enter a contract for the purchase, use or installation of artificial turf for a new or existing field.
It also would provide that “such turf fields be grandfathered to allow for their useful life but prohibit their replacement after such time.”
The purpose of the proposed legislation is to “prohibit municipal and state contracts for the purchase and installation of artificial turf fields that pose health and environmental concerns.”
There are many kinds of artificial surfaces, including coconut and crumb rubber. Different surfaces were not identified in the proposed law, nor were “health and environmental concerns.”
The bill heads now to the Joint Environment Committee. For more information, click here. (Hat tip: Kathleen Galley)
Visitors watch the UN-Westport soccer match at PJ Romano Field.