The debate between using artificial turf or natural grass on government-owned athletic fields in Sunnyvale has been pushed into the future, leaving environmental activists and youth sports groups in limbo.
The Sunnyvale City Council declined to decide on banning artificial turf after a 4-2 vote, with Mayor Larry Klein and Councilmember Richard Mehlinger dissenting and Councilmember Alysa Cisneros absent. Instead, councilmembers will wait about a year and half for the city to finish its study on the environmental effects of artificial turf versus natural grass before reconsidering a ban.
Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club President Damon James said he is disappointed by the delay, which affects efforts by the club’s youth sports group to get better quality athletic fields. He added that delaying a decision doesn’t feel like a response to the demands of environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club.
“It just feels like kicking the can down the road while those of us who are pro- and anti-turf are still asking for changes to be made today,” James told San José Spotlight.