I talked with the city Parks Program Administrator yesterday to learn more about this Perrigo athletic field turf replacement and others in the hopper. Apparently, the city decided to use cork infill rather than traditional *crumb rubber since cork is proven to be non-toxic and the field is located near a city wellhead. In addition, cork is recyclable. The field is well drained so staff wasn't concerned about cork floating up and washing away.
The Hartman Park turf fields are aging and could be replaced in 2-4 years. Water pools up on these fields so drainage improvements are necessary for a cork installation. It's my understanding Hartman fields are in or near a wellhead protection zone. For a variety of reasons the city is holding off on their decision as to what materials they will use here.
After extensive study last year, the Bellevue School District decided to use coated crumb rubber on all their fields with the exception of elementary school play areas; cork will be used. If you think LWSD would be interested in this information contact them at communications@lwsd.org. The video is excellent and I urge you to listen to it.
B. Yoder, opinion
*The use of crumb rubber infill is somewhat controversial and has been widely studied. A Redmond resident Dr. David Morton actively participated in council's decision-making process, recommending the city not infill with crumb rubber.
After extensive study last year, the Bellevue School District decided to use coated crumb rubber on all their fields with the exception of elementary school play areas; cork will be used. If you think LWSD would be interested in this information contact them at communications@lwsd.org. The video is excellent and I urge you to listen to it.
B. Yoder, opinion
*The use of crumb rubber infill is somewhat controversial and has been widely studied. A Redmond resident Dr. David Morton actively participated in council's decision-making process, recommending the city not infill with crumb rubber.