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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 13 February 2025

Created: 13 February 2025

Last Updated: 15 February 2025

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(The following letter was written by the Presidents of Scarsdale's Independent Sports Organizations)
Dear Mayor Arest, Superintendant Patrick, Village Officials, Board of Education Members, and Village Trustees,

We strongly support expanding field uptime and improving facility quality by implementing synthetic turf and strategic field enhancements. The recent joint field study by the village and Board of Education CHA report provides a well-researched roadmap for ensuring consistent and equitable access to high-quality recreational facilities for Scarsdale’s youth athletes, families, and community members.

As the demand for athletic field space increases and an increasing volume of weather events that limit field uptime, Scarsdale must take actionable steps to modernize its sports infrastructure. To maximize usability, safety, and accessibility, synthetic turf must be incorporated where appropriate and improve natural field conditions.

The Critical Need for More Field Space

As recognized by Scarsdale’s Independent Sports Organizations (ISOs), the demand for athletic field space has continued to grow due to increasing youth participation in sports such as soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and basketball. Our existing grass fields and facilities alone cannot sustain the high demand, particularly given seasonal weather limitations and wear-and-tear issues. This results in:

● Reduced playing time for youth athletes due to the limited durability of natural grass fields.
● More frequent game and practice cancellations due to rain, leading to inconsistent seasons.
● Overuse of existing natural grass fields, making them unsafe and unplayable for extended periods.
● Increased costs for field maintenance to maintain playable conditions on natural grass fields.
● Fewer teams and sports options: Children have fewer opportunities to participate in organized sports, impacting physical health and social development.

The Benefits of Artificial Turf Fields

When properly installed and maintained, modern synthetic turf fields offer a safe, durable, and environmentally sustainable alternative to grass fields. Research and real-world implementation have demonstrated several benefits:

● Increased playability & extended Seasons: synthetic turf can be used year-round, ensuring children have consistent outdoor recreation access.
● Durability: Synthetic fields can accommodate more hours of play without excessive wear and tear, reducing the long-term maintenance costs associated with natural grass.
● Safety Improvements: advances in synthetic turf technology, including shock-absorbing infill and cooling systems, have reduced injury risks and mitigated concerns about surface heat.
● Environmental Benefits: Unlike natural grass, artificial turf eliminates the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and excessive water usage. Many modern turf systems also include recyclable materials and environmentally friendly disposal programs.

The Broader Benefits of Expanding Field Access

Providing safe, reliable access to sports fields has well-documented physical, mental, academic, and social benefits for children and adolescents. Research supports the need for increased playability, especially in youth sports settings:

1. Physical Health Benefits

● Increased Physical Activity Levels: Children with access to high-quality sports fields are significantly more likely to engage in regular physical activity, reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
● Reduced Sedentary Behaviors: Increased access to sports facilities reduces screen time and sedentary habits, contributing to long-term health issues.

2. Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

● Reduction in Stress and Anxiety: Sports participation helps lower stress levels, reduces anxiety, and improves overall mental well-being in young athletes.
● Improved Self-Esteem: Youth sports build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills, helping children develop lifelong interpersonal strengths.

3. Academic and Cognitive Benefits

● Better Academic Performance: Research links physical activity to improved cognitive function, memory, and focus, resulting in stronger academic performance.
● Time Management and Discipline: Structured sports participation fosters essential skills such as discipline, goal-setting, and resilience.

4. Social and Community Benefits

● Social Skill Development: Sports participation fosters teamwork, cooperation, and positive peer interactions.
● Increased Community Engagement: Recreational sports facilities are vital community hubs, fostering inclusivity and engagement across socio-economic groups.

A Balanced Approach

Scarsdale should consider a balanced, evidence-based approach supporting youth sports participation and environmental responsibility. We propose the following actions:

-Implement simple standards for synthetic turf and natural grass field design.
-Enhance maintenance and scheduling for natural grass fields to maximize their usability and longevity.
-Conduct periodic field safety to ensure they meet the established standards.
-Engage in community dialogue with ISOs and parents to ensure that decisions reflect the needs of Scarsdale’s children and families.
-Ensuring That Scarsdale’s Children Have Access to High-Quality Sports Facilities
-Limited field access due to weather and field quality disproportionately harms young athletes and their families, reducing opportunities for organized sports and healthy recreation.

We urge the Mayor, Village Board, Board of Education, and community stakeholders to prioritize expanding field access instead of restricting it. Investment in artificial turf and improved field design will ensure that Scarsdale becomes a leader in youth sports and community wellness.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Scarsdale Independent Sport Organizations

Tom Groark & Nicole Dubbs, Scarsdale Little League
Dave Brown, Scarsdale Youth Basketball, Inc.
Kristy Grippi & Josh Horowitz, Scarsdale Youth Lacrosse Association
Eric Premisler, Scarsdale Youth Soccer Club
Joe Guarino, Scarsdale Travel Softball
Richard “Rippy” Philipps, Scarsdale Youth Football