Every Somerville school with a field uses artificial, wood-pellet turf except the Albert F. Argenziano, its students say – and they want to make the switch.
Three-quarters of students in a survey cited in a school 8th Grade Civic Action Project said they’d been hurt during recess in the past year using the grass soccer field in Lincoln Park, and 65 percent said they would use a field of artificial turf more. (All or nearly all sixth- through eighth-graders participated in the survey, students said.)
The data was part of a presentation the eighth-graders made at the Somerville School Committee final meeting of the year, June 16.
“There was an open-ended response on how you got hurt, and most [responses] were about getting hurt on the field by a pothole – like twisting your ankle,” a student said.
The cost of installation is estimated at $150,000, but there would be savings from there on out because the field would need less maintenance than grass despite being open year-round. With the current grass field, “you have to close half of the year,” a student said.
Judy Pineda Neufeld, presiding over her final School Committee meeting as City Council president, asked about environmental issues from a switch to artificial turf – damaging microplastics that are not easily recyclable and could contribute to landfill waste.
The students clarified that wood-pellet turf – their preferred option – is more environmentally friendly. Wood-pellet turf is not only preferred by athletes as softer on the joints, but is biodegradable and has cooling properties that can help with temperature regulation.
One student addressed the issue of dogs digging holes in the turf, which they said has been a recurring issue in the grass of Lincoln Park too. Committee member Laura Pitone suggested fencing to keep dogs out, as has been done at other fields despite the additional cost.
The next step would be getting students in touch with Ward 2’s city councilor, JT Scott, Neufeld said.
Other issues
In updates after the students left, member Leiran Biton said a tentative contract agreement has been reached with three Somerville Educators Union units, and that the city has selected PMA Consultants as project managers for renovation at the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and, potentially, the Benjamin G. Brown School. Winter Hill is closed for safety concerns and in need of a new campus, while the Brown school is in line for an upgrade but still open for use.
PMA Consultants worked with Somerville on the renovation of its high school, which began construction in April 2018 and opened in 2021.
The meeting concluded with the reading of a resolution honoring Neufeld, who resigned from her post as president effective at the end of June.
Committee members went around the table sharing reflections and compliments for Neufeld. “I appreciate your compassion and thoughtfulness,” member Ellenor Barish said. “You’re here to serve and you’re here to make progress, and I just look forward to seeing how you continue to make an impact in the future.”
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