Turf Talk Better Late than Not at All

Here is an interesting meeting announcement courtesy of the Richard Montgomery PTSA listserve:

MCCPTA Information Forum about Artificial Turf

In response to ongoing concerns and questions about artificial turf, MCCPTA will be sponsoring an information forum for PTA members and interested school community members. The overall goal is to share information from both sides of the issue related to artificial turf versus natural turf. MCCPTA has not taken a position on artificial turf, so the purpose of the forum is informational and not to advocate for one side or the other. We are interested in the overall safety and health aspects of both turfs.

MCCPTA has reserved the date of October 7 from 7:00- 9:00 PM in the Carver Auditorium. Elected officials have been invited to attend.

The MCCPTA Safety Committee chaired by Laurie Halverson and The MCCPTA Health Committee chaired by Susan Young will be the contacts for this event. Contact information is provided below.


MCCPTA Safety Committee - Laurie Halverson, Chair
lauriehalverson@verizon.net

MCCPTA Health Committee - Susan Young, Chair
susan@youngspa.com

Keep in mind that artificial turf fields are now at 3 MCPS high schools - Richard Montgomery, Montgomery Blair, and Walter Johnson, with more to follow. So - is it safe or isn't it, and if we have any question, why are we only asking now after our kids are at risk?

MCCPTA meetings are open to the public. Come out and hear what your elected officials know about the issue.

Artificial Turf - Looks Can be Deceiving

Here is an interesting clip from CBS News in California concerning an investigation into the safety of artificial turf athletic fields in California.



The story highlights three main concerns: carcinogens, heat, and bacteria.

The good news for California is that the health risks are under investigation.

Can we say the same for Montgomery County?

Council Votes to Approve "Safe" Turf at Walter Johnson

Here is the newsclip from Channel 7 news showing the County Council unanimously approving the next artificial turf deal at a Montgomery County Public School.

Health hazards? Nope, our product is so new that no health hazards have been identified. We know, because Joe Lavorgna and Phil Andrews said so, and Valerie Ervin has been reviewing the material for ages.



If the video doesn't work, try watching it on ABC's website.