Amid Health Concerns, Phoenixville Considers More Expensive Options: Report

PHOENIXVILLE, PA -- Several Phoenixville board members have made it clear that they have heard the concernsof residents about the safety of the new turf fields, and they plan on considering alternatives.

Five board members reportedly think there is enough merit to concerns of the two new turf fields at the school, and agree that a more expensive, safer turf should be looked at.

The school board approved the plan last summer to build the new fields as part of the project to build the Early Learning Center and a new Elementary School.

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Now, however, residents are reportedly concerned over the safety of the turf, to both the children and the environment.

“I don’t want to take the chance,” board member Renee Pfender told the Times Herald.

Resident John Mraz said that of four grass fields and two turf fields, the school should install six grass fields, according to the Times Herald.

“We could end up like another Flint, Michigan,” Mraz reportedly said at a February 18 board meeting.

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Residents cited the dangers of turf crumbs being ingested by children, and the numerous environmental and personal questions surrounding the safety of the turf, as reasons for a change.

Additional costs could reportedly total $265,500.

There is not much conclusive data to support either the safety or the danger of the turf, reports state.