Students who play soccer, lacrosse, field hockey or football in Oyster Bay have the advantage of using the state-of-the-art turf field at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, a facility built and maintained by the Town of Oyster Bay. This is generally seen as a positive addition for the district, as synthetic turf fields have the promise of longer playing time, decreased injury and fair competition. But the field’s underbelly, specifically its infill made of recycled tires called crumb rubber, has local advocates asking for additional studies.
“I learned that more and more facilities are using turf fields,” Congressman Steve Israel said. He recently called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an updated, detailed study into crumb rubber infill. “I saw reports that the EPA hadn’t adequately researched [field turf] safety.”
Most studies are dated, with the latest chronicle being in 2009 by the EPA. The recycled tires made of the infill posed no threat, the study says, but the EPA admitted that “it is not possible to reach any more comprehensive conclusions without the consideration of additional data.”
Kevin Trentkowski, director of health, physical education and athletics for the Oyster Bay-East Norwich (OBEN) School District, says he is not aware of any issues with the field in terms of health concerns for local children or the surface itself. He says the only real issue he has seen is some water damage.
“After Super Storm Sandy, the high water level caused some damage and there were some things that needed to be repaired before we sent our kids onto it. Seams were torn, pellets were uneven,” said Trentkowski. “But generally speaking, I think many people accept turf as a viable alternative to grass. Athletic directors in Nassau County that have turf fields seem to be happy that they have it and it certainly helps get games in on rainy days.”
He added, “As far as durability, field turf is ‘maintenance free,’ however the surface does need to be combed and pellets need to be redistributed as after x-amount of hours to keep it in top shape.”
Charlie Rizzuto, a physical education teacher with the OBEN school district and coach of the lacrosse team, said he has read a lot of studies on both sides of the debate.
“I tend to withhold judgment until there is conclusive evidence,” he said. “Everything is too new. One thing that is pretty clear, however, is that it gives players more traction and provides more opportunity for teams to get out and play more often.”
—Rich Forestano contributed to this story
