Michael Middleton, a cricketer from Sydney, has been playing on a synthetic field at Blackman Park for three years. While he likes the smooth surface, there’s a catch. On hot days, especially over 30 degrees Celsius, the team dreads playing on it. “It’s tougher than playing on natural grass. You can really feel the heat coming off the turf,” he says.
The heat isn’t just uncomfortable; it also leads to burns. Middleton and his teammates often end up with scrapes from diving for the ball. “It’s unusual to see bruises in cricket, but we’ve had quite a few,” he adds.
A Growing Concern
Councils often choose synthetic fields because they are durable and can handle heavy use. Jeff Angel from the Total Environment Centre believes it would be better to improve natural grass fields instead. Garnet Brownbill, co-founder of the Natural Turf Alliance, agrees but points out that while synthetic turf avoids muddy conditions in winter, it leads to lost play days in the summer due to extreme heat.
Microplastics and Pollution
A significant concern is the microplastics released from synthetic grass. A report from the Total Environment Centre showed that synthetic grass fragments in Sydney’s waterways are rapidly increasing. For example, Rose Bay saw a tenfold increase from 2022 to 2025. In Manly Cove, the amount of synthetic grass segments rose threefold since 2019. These tiny pieces often end up in our water, significantly harming marine life.
The artificial blades are also coated with PFAS, harmful chemicals that don’t break down in the environment. Anthony Amis from Friends of the Earth warns that children playing on these fields could inadvertently ingest these substances.
A parliamentary inquiry recently acknowledged that one synthetic field can release 800 to 3,200 kilograms of PFAS particles into the environment. The recommendation? Ban PFAS in artificial turf.
Rising Demand
Despite these concerns, synthetic fields are becoming increasingly popular. The popularity is so high that councils in Melbourne, like Merri-bek City Council, are responding to community demand for sports facilities by installing them. Mayor Nat Abboud states, “We aim to manage sports grounds to provide quality and sustainable options for our community.”
However, not everyone is pleased. Brownbill notes that the community experience shifts dramatically with synthetic fields. His local park, once a vibrant gathering space, has turned into a heavily used sports facility. He mentions that many locals, including those enjoying leisurely strolls or playing informal sports, have been pushed out.
The field’s odor is also a common complaint. Brownbill describes it as oppressive on hot days, reaching into nearby homes and lingering late into the night.
A Disruption in Community Life
Though the park has seen a 300% increase in usage, the trade-offs have led to discontent. The charm of a communal space has been replaced by a facility heavily focused on organized sports.
While synthetic fields offer benefits like constant playability, the environmental and health implications are becoming hard to ignore. Now, discussions about how to balance community needs with ecological health are more vital than ever. Understanding these issues might lead to better solutions for future generations.
For further insights, you can check the report from the Total Environment Centre here.
