Artificial Turf Fact Sheet

Athletic playing fields and artificial turf: considerations for municipalities and institutions

Municipalities, universities, schools and other institutions frequently need to make decisions about maintenance and installation of athletic playing fields. This may include choosing between natural grass and synthetic turf. Factors that may be considered include cost of installation and maintenance, number of days the field can be used, likelihood of player injuries, temperature of the playing environment, and athletes’ exposure to chemicals. The Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at UMass Lowell has worked with municipalities and other institutions to facilitate the adoption of turf management practices that are cost effective and preferable for human health and the environment. This fact sheet introduces some of the considerations that are relevant to evaluating natural grass and artificial turf alternatives. Visit our artificial turf page for more information.

Download the Fact Sheet.