Municipal Services Committee to Gather More Data Before Recommending Artificial Turf Replacement

An ad hoc committee will gather more information on artificial turf before the Municipal Services Committee (MSC) makes a recommendation to the City Council on whether to replace aging athletic fields at Villa Parke and Robinson Park with enhanced synthetic surfaces.

Earlier this week, local stakeholders were divided on the matter during a special meeting, with parents, youth sports advocates and environmental groups offering sharply different views on the proposal.

“MSC opted instead to gather more data and explore collaborative opportunities,” Committee Chair Justin Jones said. “We will establish a dedicated ad hoc committee tasked with soliciting additional information regarding synthetic turf. The new panel will also explore potential partnerships with both the Pasadena Unified School District and the Rose Bowl Stadium.”

The committee directed the panel to review additional information on synthetic turf technology and examine whether partnerships with the school district and the Rose Bowl could help expand athletic field capacity.

City staff continued to argue that enhanced artificial turf is the most practical solution for meeting Pasadena’s growing demand for athletic fields. According to Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Koko Panossian, the city turns away 20 to 25 youth and community sports organizations each year because of limited field availability.

Staff also presented cost comparisons showing enhanced artificial turf costs about $75 per usable hour, while natural grass costs approximately $83 per usable hour. Officials said natural grass is more expensive because it limits field use to about 1,850 hours annually, compared with roughly 3,250 hours for enhanced artificial turf.

Maintenance costs also favored synthetic surfaces. Enhanced turf costs approximately $6 per hour to maintain, while natural grass requires about $24 per hour in maintenance.

Supporters of the proposal told the committee that artificial turf is necessary to provide year-round access for youth sports in neighborhoods with limited recreational space. Opponents raised concerns about heat, environmental impacts, wildfire risks and potential health effects associated with synthetic playing surfaces.

Committee member Tyron Hampton said earlier this week that any synthetic field should include complete disclosure of its materials and be accompanied by a heat-mitigation plan before the city moves forward.

City staff has recommended replacing the existing artificial turf fields with upgraded systems using recyclable materials, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-free manufacturing processes and organic infill made from sand, coconut fibers, walnut shells and cork.

The ad hoc committee will report its findings back to the Municipal Services Committee before any recommendation is forwarded to the City Council for final consideration.