The Sonoma County AB 939 Local Task Force (LTF) conducted a comprehensive review of existing research comparing artificial turf and natural grass, to better understand their full life-cycle impacts and inform responsible decision-making. While the study focus began with solid waste reduction, recycling, and safe disposal, this research also examined the inter-related environmental and community considerations. The findings address potential pollution from microplastics and other chemicals of concern, possible human health implications, water use and maintenance demands, cost over time, year-round play capacity, and end-of-life management. The analysis also highlights tradeoffs related to climate and safety, noting that artificial turf can reach much higher temperatures during summer months, increasing heat-related health risks and contributing to the urban heat island effect. The challenges associated with disposing of artificial turf systems and the current lack of viable recycling infrastructure, provide important context for agencies, communities, and facility managers evaluating these surfaces, among other considerations.
On November 20, 2025, the LTF along with Zero Waste Sonoma Executive Director presented to the Agency Board of Directors. As a result, staff were directed to develop a model ordinance that would allow Sonoma County jurisdictions to consider options for placing a moratorium on artificial turf installations for public, private, or commercial spaces, as informed by the current research. This process is anticipated to require approximately 12 months for research, drafting, and stakeholder engagement before ordinance consideration.
On December 16, 2025, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors hosted a workshop as part of the regular meeting calendar. This workshop included a presentation from Sonoma County Regional Parks, covering existing and planned athletic field inventory, Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation + Open Space Community Spaces Matching Grant Program criteria related to athletic turf and field inventory, and Zero Waste Sonoma summarizing the recent presentations to the Board of Directors.
Currently, there are 23 athletic fields managed under Regional Parks, with 19 being natural turf and four artificial, plus three additional fields in planning. Ag + Open Space provided funding for three artificial turf fields managed by the City of Petaluma and accepted grant requests for three additional fields in Santa Rosa.