No Artificial Turf For Delasalle
This article appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on March 1, 2008.
DeLaSalle Playing Field
By STEVE BRANDT, Star Tribune
In other vegetative news, the question of grass versus artificial turf at DeLaSalle High School's controversial planned athletic field was settled when the school withdrew its bid for a synthetic field.
The school had sought the turf at the behest of the city Park Board, which owns part of the site and wanted to increase the field's durability.
The Park Board said it is difficult to keep grass fields fit during adverse weather and heavy play.
But neighbors who have opposed the expansion onto park land, said polyethelene fibers with a tire crumb filling have no place in a historic setting.
Late Thursday, City Council President Barbara Johnson told the school and a park commissioner that the fake turf plan lacked council support.
One island resident applauded the withdrawal. "It's exceptional, like Leap Day," said Chris Steller, saying it's the first time the council has upheld the city's Heritage Preservation Commission on project issues.
The school said it was giving up on the turf request to avoid more delays.
Opponents, the school and Park Board had wrangled over whether the artificial playing field would be safe for athletes and if it would shed material into the nearby Mississippi River.
Steve Brandt • 612-673-4438