Sports Chatter By Andy Loigu

The World Cup, watched by millions as it played matches in several American big city venues, was held on either natural grass or hybrid surfaces like the playing field at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

If totally artificial synthetic plastic was the superior turf for “the pitch,” The World Cup officials would have used it.

Since totally synthetic fields were deemed unacceptable by the governing body of the world’s most played and watched sport, local officials who rushed to install artificial turf on their playing fields a decade or two ago need to re-examine how they are spending tax dollars and money raised by various community booster clubs.

Municipalities in New Jersey have been pouring taxpayer dollars into synthetic turf fields, thinking they provide a surface on which various sports can be played, maximizing their investment. Unfortunately, artificial fields get dangerously hot and they are like playing on concrete, increasing the injury risk that comes with falls sustained by players colliding when trying to gain possession for their team.

It has become hard to justify the costs of plastic fields. Microplastic pollution, landfill waste and the fossil fuel demands of making petroleum-based surfaces have been documented as major risks, according to Pinelands Alliance Policy Director Heidi Yeh.”These fields must be replaced every eight to 10 years, creating recurring costs which towns have underestimated,” she said, adding that costs are even more volatile because artificial turf is derived from petroleum products. “Meanwhile, well-managed natural grass or a hybrid surface is often significantly cheaper over the long haul.”

At a time when taxpayers are being asked to tighten their belts, continuing to subsidize costly plastic fields is hard to defend,

If your town is considering installing artificial turf, you are encouraged to contact Heidi Yeh at heidi@pinelandsalliance.org online.

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.