BetterPlayInitiative

Keeping turf blades upright and providing cushioning are two key roles of recycled rubber. In this clip from the Better Play Today podcast, Stratton Kirton breaks down how it helps synthetic turf fields look and perform the way they should.

John S. Clemens Memorial Park in Hatfield, Pennsylvania shows how thoughtful design can create a welcoming play experience for children and families. Its inclusive rubber surfacing supports access and mobility. Safe, durable, and inclusive play spaces help ensure every child has the opportunity to play

How many days of outdoor play do communities lose each year because rain leaves grass fields unusable? Until now, we haven’t had good data to answer that question. The Better Play Initiative analyzed 2025 precipitation data from more than 300 NOAA weather stations across 12 western Washington counties — producing a first-of-its-kind estimate of rain-related lost play days. Our new op-ed at The Well News explains why better data can help communities make smarter investments, improve field access, and create more opportunities to play. Read it here: thewellnews.com/opinions/bet…

Recycled rubber can serve communities more than once. The recovery effort following the Palisades wildfire shows this circularity in action, giving the material a third generation of use: ♻️ First as tires 🏃 Then as an athletic track 🚶 Now as public infrastructure Learn more about the project here: betterplaytoday.org/posts/fr…

Yesterday’s track is becoming tomorrow’s walkway. After the Palisades wildfire, Ecore International recovered more than 140,000 pounds of damaged track material and repurposed it for Los Angeles Metro walkways. That is circularity in action. Read more here: betterplaytoday.org/posts/fr…

It's a big week at the Better Play Initiative. We have released a first-of-its-kind report tracking how often communities in western Washington state lost out on play. Some counties, we found, lost more than 70 estimated play days in 2025 as a result of rain and other inclement weather. We used NOAA data to estimate rain-related field closures across 12 counties in the region. The report recommends greater transparency across the country on how often field closures occur. Read more about the report here: betterplaytoday.org/posts/be…

The next episode of the Better Play Today podcast is here! In Episode 8, we sit down with Karim Odeh of MRC Recreation to discuss the importance of accessible play spaces at schools, parks, and beyond. It's a great conversation. Watch and listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0LH…

Don't miss out: Last week, Better Play Initiative Program Director Scott Gerber wrote in @AthleticBiz how the latest research from California changes the conversation on recycled rubber and artificial turf. These fields help communities accommodate a wide variety of sports and activities, while limiting weather-related cancellations. Read the full piece: athleticbusiness.com/sponsor…

Parks decision-makers everywhere should have access to the latest research on recycled rubber. Check out BPI's piece in @AthleticBiz on what this year's completed California study means for athletic directors and school administrators: athleticbusiness.com/sponsor…

In British Columbia, Tire Stewardship BC is facilitating the essential process of turning end-of-life tires into useful new materials. Executive Director Rosemary Sutton recently joined the Better Play Today podcast to talk recycled rubber and TSBC's work across the region. Check out the full episode: lnkd.in/dyn76SRH

The completed CalOEHHA study on recycled rubber is the most comprehensive to date. Here's what BPI Program Director Scott Gerber recently wrote: "The fact is that the study is clear cut. California researchers looked at this issue from nearly every angle, over the span of a decade, and solicited public comment throughout the process." Check out the full blog on why this study is the definitive piece of research for community members: betterplaytoday.org/posts/sc…

As spring begins in Chicago, Winnemac Park has revealed its brand new artificial turf infield. The new field is giving community members, youth sports leagues, and school teams access to year-round play. After a $2 million renovation, the new turf infield addresses the drainage issues that had left sports activities delayed in the past. Communities around the country are joining Winnemac Park and making the switch to artificial turf for year-round play.

The science has spoken. But haters are still gonna hate. California scientists completed the most comprehensive study to date on the use of crumb rubber in synthetic turf. They found “no significant risk” for those using the fields. And yet, cynics are still moving the goalposts. Read more at BetterPlayToday.org: betterplaytoday.org/posts/sc…

After a rainstorm, it doesn't take long for a turf field with recycled rubber to be ready to go. BPI Program Director Scott Gerber saw this first-hand at a high school baseball tournament in Arlington, VA. Here's his latest dispatch:

Every year, millions of tires are recycled into useful materials — like crumb rubber in playing surfaces. Our latest podcast dives into how this process happens and what it means for communities. The latest episode of the Better Play Today podcast features Rosemary Sutton of Tire Stewardship BC. Check it out on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/2hB…

Following the release of CalOEHHA's study on the use of turf and recycled rubber, BPI's @scottcgerber sat down with Stratton Kirton from Liberty Tire Recycling to discuss the findings. Communities around the country are considering using recycled rubber to support local playgrounds, parks, and playing fields. CalOEHHA’s study shows it's a switch that’s safe and sustainable for American communities.

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment began its study on crumb rubber infill and artificial turf back in 2016. Now, a decade later, their research is finalized. And it is clear: "no significant health risks" for players, coaches, and others using the fields. On the Better Play Today podcast, we dove into the methodology and findings with Stratton Kirton of Liberty Tire Recycling. Don't miss this special episode: open.spotify.com/episode/1Zs…

The newly-finalized study on crumb rubber infill from CalOEHHA is the most comprehensive to date on the subject. Read the full Better Play Initiative release: betterplaytoday.org/posts/la…

California’s landmark synthetic turf study is now final: CalOEHHA found no significant health risks for players, coaches, referees, or spectators from crumb rubber infill. Another clear data point in support of safe, durable, year-round play. Read the report. oehha.ca.gov/risk-assessment…