Next Tuesday, December 9, our community will vote on the District’s Capital Project, which includes replacing Husky Field with modern synthetic turf. To help families, staff, and residents make an informed decision, we’ve compiled an overview of independent research comparing athlete safety on modern artificial turf versus natural grass.
What the Research Shows
📌 Lower Overall Injuries:
A three-year study of 24 NCAA football programs found lower total injury rates on modern turf compared to natural grass. Minor, substantial, and severe injuries were all reduced on turf, with no significant difference in head, knee, or shoulder injuries.
📌 International Review Confirms Safety:
A 2023 systematic review analyzing 22 studies reported that injury incidence is generally lower on artificial turf for both men and women. Non-contact injuries and muscle strains were less common, and knee and lower-body injuries occurred less frequently among adult and professional athletes. Youth and amateur players did not show increased riskon turf.
📌 Consistent, Safe Playing Surface:
Professional testing of cleat-surface interaction shows that modern turf provides consistent traction similar to professional natural grass. Unlike natural grass, which can vary widely due to weather and wear, turf delivers a reliable surface that supports safe play.
The research suggests that modern artificial turf is a safe, durable, and consistent playing surface for athletes at all levels. For more details, you can review the attached studies or view the full project proposal.
We appreciate you taking the time to stay informed. Make sure your voice is heard next Tuesday, December 9!