NYC Protesters Demand Ban on Artificial Grass in Public Parks Over Health Concerns

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New York NY, A wave of grassroots activism is sweeping through New York City as demonstrators demand an end to the installation of artificial turf fields in public parks. Protesters argue that synthetic grass—laden with toxic “forever chemicals”—poses serious health and environmental risks, particularly to children.

Concerns Over Toxic Chemicals in Artificial Turf

At a rally outside City Hall on Thursday, dozens of New Yorkers, joined by Councilmember Christopher Marte, called for an immediate ban on synthetic grass fields. The primary concern? The polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in artificial turf, which have been linked to cancer, respiratory diseases, and other health issues, according to a 2022 study by the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Protesters fear that the chemicals from these Astroturf-like surfaces are contaminating public spaces and exposing young New Yorkers to hazardous substances.

Inwood Park: A Flashpoint in the Turf Debate

One of the most contentious projects is the $8.7 million reconstruction of a waterfront soccer field in Inwood Park, a beloved natural space in upper Manhattan. The field, which once had real grass and soil, is being replaced with tufted nylon and coated silica sand, much to the dismay of local residents.

“We are losing one of the last natural spaces in Manhattan,” said Mossimo Strino, a Washington Heights resident. “Whenever it rains, microplastics from the artificial turf will wash into the river, along with the pesticides and fungicides used to maintain it.”

How Many Artificial Turf Fields Are in NYC Parks?

The NYC Parks Department confirmed that at least 221 synthetic turf fields are currently in use across the five boroughs—excluding additional spaces managed by NYCHA and the Department of Education.

While officials did not disclose the total amount of plastic these fields contain, Beyond Plastics, a nonprofit focused on eliminating plastic waste, estimates that a typical 80,000-square-foot field contains:
✅ 40,000 pounds of plastic carpeting
✅ 400,000 pounds of infill

Why Is NYC Choosing Synthetic Grass Over Natural Turf?

While the city has increased its use of artificial turf in recent years, the Parks Department has not clarified whether cost is a driving factor. Councilmember Marte, who is preparing a bill to ban synthetic turf in public parks, speculates that the city favors turf due to its lower maintenance requirements.

However, critics argue that:
❌ Artificial turf is expensive to install and requires replacement every 10 years.
❌ The city spent nearly $10 million over seven years to repair damaged turf.
❌ Turf traps heat, making fields up to 60°F hotter than natural grass.

Protesters Push for Safer Green Spaces

West Village resident Anne Heaney, 81, a former childhood educator, emphasized the importance of preserving natural green spaces for future generations.

“Our children deserve safe, green, cool infrastructure—not plastic that releases toxins,” Heaney said.

With growing public outcry and legislative action in the works, the fight over NYC’s artificial grass fields is far from over.

What’s Next?

✅ Councilmember Marte’s bill aims to ban artificial turf in city parks.
✅ Community activists continue pushing for eco-friendly alternatives.
✅ Residents urge city officials to prioritize health and sustainability.

What do you think? Should NYC and NJ ban artificial turf in public parks? Share your thoughts below!

Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com