The Use of Artificial Turf in Parks and Schoolyards

• When evaluating surfacing options for a new or renovated place to play, comparing tradeoffs between artificial turf, natural grass, and asphalt for high-use fields.
• When creating or updating policies around surface selection and materials.
• For community engagement around health, safety, and environmental decisions.
• Providing context for surface decisions when writing grant writing or board presentations.

This is a balanced, informed resource that respects both evidence and lived community experience. It offers a pragmatic approach that acknowledges real-world constraints while advocating for transparency, sustainability, and child well-being.

• What is your organization’s position on artificial turf—and is it clearly documented?
• Are there communities in your network where artificial turf might improve access and use?
• Could some projects be strengthened by including natural alternatives or hybrid models?
• How do local environmental conditions (e.g., flooding, heat islands) influence your turf decisions?
• What partners or stakeholders should be engaged before finalizing turf choices?

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected 4 million acres of public land; created 5,420 parks, trails, 200+ Community Schoolyards® projects, and iconic outdoor places; raised $94 billion in public funding for parks and public lands; and brought parks and trails to within a 10-minute walk of home for nearly 9.7 million people. Their Green Paper series offers research-backed guidance to inform infrastructure planning and community investment decisions. To learn more, visit tpl.org.