Athletic Playing Fields: Choosing Safer Options for Health and the Environment

A number of communities have requested technical assistance from TURI in evaluating the questions they face as they make decisions about athletic playing fields. In response to these requests, TURI has conducted research on individual materials used in artificial turf. TURI has also worked with municipalities and other institutions to facilitate the adoption of athletic field management practices that are cost-effective and preferable for human health and the environment.

This report provides information based on TURI’s research on selected materials used in artificial turf. It also includes information on organic management of natural grass. TURI has identified organically managed natural grass as a safer alternative for sports surfaces. Download the report. 

For more information, see TURI’s web page on artificial turf. 

For more details on the materials discussed in this report, see TURI's Sports Turf Alternatives Assessment.