Carmen Roda is a familiar face around Westport.
As operations manager for the Parks & Recreation Departament, he’s the go-to guy for beaches, Longshore, fields, youth and adult programs and much more.
He makes sure it all runs smoothly — no easy task.
The other day, he stopped by the Westport Library to talk about his multi-faceted role; how he got where he is, and what’s ahead for Parks & Rec.
Click below, for a behind-the-scenes peek at Westport’s recreational life.
Good thoughts from a great guy! Thanks Carm!
Mr. Roda’s remarks about field materials are factually incorrect. The research behind the hazards of artificial turf fields is not only accepted by scientists but acknowledged even by the spokesperson of the artificial turf industry organization. Such fields have been banned nearby in New York, Boston, and in many other places. Towns across the nation are suing turf suppliers. Two RTM committees have held two information sessions for the public and town government personnel about the issue and distributed information which is available to anyone on request.
Too, the health hazards of recycled crumb rubber are unquestionable. Fields using it as infill are banned around the country. The dilemma now is where the tons of used materials can be disposed, since they are considered hazardous (and quite flammable) waste.
Pitting the issue of sufficient field time against the issue of exposure to carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other known causes of critical and fatal illnesses (particularly in children) is a false dichotomy since we also have the good option of creating natural grass fields. In light of the above and the fact that Mr. Roda is one of the longtime stalwart good guys taking care of Westport’s parks, recreation, and kids, I’m confused and concerned over his remarks about the fields.
I agree that playing fields are very important for kids’ health. I wholeheartedly DISAGREE that turf fields provide the healthy option that kids should have. Unfortunately, Mr. Roda is incorrect about his interpretation of the science by saying that there is no evidence that these fields are unsafe. We know a lot more now than we did years ago when Westport’s turf fields were installed.
There are multiple reliable sources that state issues with turf fields – they include the following: PFAS (forever chemicals) are present in the plastic grass blades and backing and are linked to numerous health problems including cancer, nervous system toxicity, immune dysfunction, thyroid, and
cardiovascular disease; the chemicals are absorbed through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure; these materials are transported home; turf become excessively hot; and athletes experience more non-contact injuries.
In addition to these issues, the chemicals leach from the turf and contaminate nearby soil and water, they cannot be recycled at the end of their useful life, they contribution to climate change, and they require a lot of water usage.
Although it is desirable for kids to be able to play sports frequently, our best choice is grass. Although it involves a bit more maintenance and downtime, it is not worth gambling with the potential long term effects of exposure to turf – it will be too late and we will be responsible for poor choices.
Another town rec employee was not educated on these dangerous materials. Maybe some professional development should be offered to the town staff to understand the environmental and health impacts.