Officials at the La Grange Park District were faced with a tough choice in 2024 after they successfully passed a $13.86 million bond issue parks improvement referendum centered on eight parks and three facilities. Would they switch their playing fields to artificial turf?
Jenny Bechtold, the Park District’s executive director, explained their decision recently during a forum at the La Grange Public Library focusing on the merits of artificial turf versus a natural playing surface on athletic fields. The forum, sponsored by the La Grange League of Women Voters and graduate students at Montclair State University in New Jersey, drew about 30 area residents.
“The original plan did not include artificial turf, but one of the things we do as a public entity is we do community engagement, so we had a task force for the first round of plans,” she said.
The task force was divided on the topic and debated the pros and cons of both playing surfaces, she said.
“One of the things with artificial turf is that there’s increased playing ability, so you’re not down as much,” she said. “For example it was 70 degrees the other day, so kids can get out there and play. It’s not mushy and wet. … You can get out there pretty quickly after a rainfall.”
While it might appear that the initial maintenance costs were lower for artificial turf, Bechtold pointed out that artificial turf needed to be replaced about every eight to 10 years.
“That’s a big capital replacement project,” she said. “So it puts strain on the taxpayers for replacement.
“We looked at the impervious surface. Not sure if anybody’s aware, but La Grange has a tendency to flood and that’s something we do not want to add to,” she said, drawing laughs from the audience.
The task force also looked at health and safety concerns. Bechtold noted that the potential for injuries and heat-related problems were considered.
According to a presentation by the Montclair University graduate students, injury rates were found to be higher playing football, but about equal playing soccer. But ACL injuries were found to be higher on natural grass, particularly during practice. The group didn’t feel comfortable making a claim about concussions because there have been so many improvements in recognizing and treating concussions in recent years.
Bechtold said they brought the issue to the community via surveys and public meetings.
“After evaluating all the feedback, our Board of Commissioners decided to go with natural grass,” she said. “And what we did was enhance that by adding an irrigation system, so now we have the ability to water it more and take better care of it.”
One audience member expressed concerns with upkeep and playability of natural grass fields amid heavy use.
“I don’t know in La Grange how you’re going to keep on maintaining the natural surfaces, because it takes a lot of care if those kids are playing every day,” the man said.
“We do our best,” Bechtold answered. “That’s what we do. And we have a really great maintenance team and we just brought on a new parks grounds and planning manager. One of the things we were looking for is someone who’s really experienced with turf, and he brings all that experience. That’s what we need.”
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
