Feb 28, 2008

Natural protesters

Group urges to keep grass at Heather Elementary

By Mark Abramson / Daily News Staff Writer

Children chanting "No turf, no turf" and toting picket signs adorned with ladybugs and bumblebees helped their parents protest Thursday afternoon against plans to install synthetic turf at Heather Elementary School.

The parents and children picketed at the corner of Cedar Street and Brittan Avenue before marching to the San Carlos School District board meeting to speak out against the installation of the artificial surface, which is expected to cost $1.5 million and would be paid for by the city.

Supporters of the plan argue that synthetic turf is more durable than grass and could provide more playing time for local athletic leagues.

But the protesters say they fear the turf could cause injuries and have adverse health impacts. They spread their message Thursday with signs that read, "Plastic grass is a drag," "Bee green, live green," and other slogans. Some wore shirts bearing anti-synthetic turf messages.

"I'd rather play on grass because it's natural and it's not plastic," said Heather School third-grader Jake Papapietro, 8.

Luke Ford, 9, said he has lacrosse practice on Sequoia High School's artificial turf, and that he thinks grass is less likely to cause injuries.
"It's a lot of fun playing on the grass, it's cushioning," the fourth-grader said.

"We are against it anywhere, it's just not environmentally safe and correct," said Jake's mother, Joy Papapietro, who also has a daughter in kindergarten at Heather School. She also argued that turf gets hotter than grass and could cause respiratory problems or developmental defects.

City officials refute the parents' claims that the turf can be dangerous. One council member said he has seen it work well in other cities, including Redwood City.

"Nobody would ever want to harm a child or cause injuries," San Carlos Vice Mayor Bob Grassilli said. He said coaches and officials from other cities that have turf are glad they installed it.

"There is no hue and cry saying 'This was a mistake.' The city does not believe there is any kind of health risk," Grassilli said.

He also pointed out that synthetic turf saves water and is easier to maintain than grass.

At the school board meeting, Luke's mother, Lindsey Ford, told the board its first priority should be protecting the children, not helping the city solve its athletic field issues.

Papapietro cited state Senate Bill 1277, which was introduced last week and would prohibit synthetic turf from being installed at a field like Heather School's without a site-specific impact report being conducted on its installation.

Longtime San Carlos resident Ingrid Predovic, who walks around the field daily, also implored the district to keep Heather Field natural. Her son went to the school 30 years ago.

"Every solitary day, I smell the grass. I enjoy the grass," Predovic said.



E-mail Mark Abramson at mabramson@dailynewsgroup.com.