Muscle Shoals High Astro Turf Revisited - Part I

 

We've had many questions about the Astro Turf replacement at Muscle Shoals High School. Today and tomorrow, we'll answer a few of them:

1. Is it now standard for lowly high school athletics to use an artificial turf in their stadiums/pitches/etc.?

According to what should be trustworthy statistics, the answer is yes. Muscle Shoals certainly isn't alone in installing this pricey turf.

2. Is artificial turf always "Astro Turf" or do schools have a choice? 

Astro Turf is perhaps the most pricey, but there are other brands - hence, the generic name of artificial or synthetic turf. Some brands are SynLawn, X-Grass, Mega Grass, Turf Factory, and Forever Green. We haven't found any experts who will definitely recommend one brand over the other. We're guessing Muscle Shoals chose Astro-Turf simply because it sounds elite.

3. Is synthetic turf really safe? 

For years, more and more athletic facilities were turning toward this artificial substance, but now the pendulum has swung the other way. We hear more every day about the dangers to those who regularly play on such turf. From an October 2022 report: Numerous studies have shown that chemicals identified in artificial turf, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are known carcinogens, neurotoxicants, mutagens, and endocrine disruptors. We doubt that plastic turf will soon be banned in Alabama, but it's good to be aware of its dangers and the possibility that it could at some point be outlawed.

4. What is the actual life expectancy of Astro Turf?

We've seen the 20 to 25 year lifespan used, but one reader has presented some other statistics. If the turf is used more than moderately, then 10 years is the likely lifespan. 

That last statistic presents some questions concerning the original purchase and just how it was presented to the school board. To be continued...

*****

This is Monroe. We just have to say it...there aren't too many dogs at the Florence Shelter that are cuter than Monroe. She's a 10 month old girl who appears to be on the small side. Go get her! She's at the shelter in the Florence industrial park. Just follow the signs: