Stop the city of Norwalk from building turf fields!

The proposed project to convert two natural turf youth baseball fields at Broad River Park in Norwalk, CT, into artificial turf fields was denied by the Norwalk Common Council. The chapter chair, Rachel Precious, attended 3 city meetings where she spoke about the impact of the runoff from artificial turf, specifically zinc, and how it impacts marine life like oysters.

 

• The proposal was to convert existing grass fields at Broad River Park, located near the river, to artificial turf.
• Concerns were raised about the potential environmental and health impacts of artificial turf, particularly regarding PFAS contamination and its potential to affect local water quality.
• The Norwalk River Watershed Association was among those urging residents to express concerns about the safety and environmental friendliness of artificial turf fields compared to natural grass options.

• After public commentary and discussion, the Norwalk Common Council voted to move forward with a redesign that will feature clay infields and grass outfields for the Broad River Park baseball complex.
• The council's decision allows the city to retain a $2.6 million state grant that was primarily intended for the field construction.
• The decision specifically focused on the Broad River Park location and does not preclude consideration of artificial turf fields at other locations in the future.