REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Completion of Council Priority Project SU-2 Artificial Turf Policy Study (Information Only)
Report
BACKGROUND
Kimley Horn and subconsultant Clough, Harbour & Associates (CHA) were hired to conduct a comparative analysis between artificial turf and natural grass and to make recommendations regarding a regulation or policy for artificial turf use on both public and private property. With support from City staff, the consultants completed a comparative analysis using existing research and case studies that examined multiple aspects of artificial turf versus natural grass:
Environmental impacts
Health impacts
Cost comparisons
Existing policies regulating artificial turf use
Alignment with Sunnyvale policies
Kimley Horn and CHA were also tasked with evaluating Sunnyvale’s current maintenance practices and making recommendations to optimize maintenance of the City’s current natural grass athletic fields.
City staff and consultants presented the findings of Council Priority Project SU-2, at the June 10, 2026 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, June 15, 2026 Sustainability Commission meeting, June 22, 2026 Planning Commission meeting, and July 28, 2026, City Council meeting. Feedback from City Councilmembers and Commissioners was either included in the final report (Attachment 1) or responded to (Attachment 2). The finalized completed report includes recommendations from Kimley-Horn for operational and policy changes to address the community, commission, and Council feedback regarding artificial turf versus natural grass.
This informational report to Council will serve as the completion of this Council priority Project. The report includes several operational items that departments will implement.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan Policies:
LT-9.2 Follow management and preventive maintenance strategies to extend the usable life of open space and recreation facilities, such as planning for and implementing “non-use times” for open sp...
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