BetterPlayInitiative

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/1ZsGPP…

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/landmark…

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-assessmen…

A study from the Danish Technological Institute found that with proper maintenance and upkeep, surfaces using recycled rubber are a viable and effective option for community playing spaces. With this in mind, communities across the country can be confident in the use of recycled rubber for their playfields, playgrounds, and parks.

Episode 5 of the Better Play Today podcast is out now on Spotify. In this episode, we talk with Kevin Schmidt, a City Councilman and President of Little League in Destin, Florida: open.spotify.com/episode/7BvPxe…

At Gig Harbor Sports Complex in Pierce County, Washington, Phase 1 of a new turf field installation is near completion ahead of the spring season. Four additional fields are planned for football, soccer, and other activities throughout the year. Here's what a member of their Youth Council had to say:

The use of poured-in-place rubber on playgrounds helps communities play year-round and provides a softer landing spot for falls. Thomas Boehme, the President and CEO of the leading tire recycler Genan, talked more on Episode 4 of the Better Play Today podcast:

In Northern Virginia, the snow is starting to melt. But at Barcroft Park in Arlington, which uses artificial turf with recycled rubber infill, the players are already getting back on the field. Here's BPI Program Director @scottcgerber with more:

Episode 4 of the Better Play Today Podcast is here! In this episode, BPI Program Director @scottcgerber sits down with Thomas Boehme, the President and CEO of Genan, a leading tire recycler. Check it out now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/22JHWY…

Late last year, the BPI team polled adults from around the U.S. The results were clear. Americans prefer safe and year-round access to play. 72 percent of respondents said that they prefer turf using recycled rubber to grass fields.

Peer-reviewed research has consistently found that the use of recycled rubber in parks and playing fields causes minimal health impact and is similar to grass. Instead of unfounded fears, communities should consider the latest research: betterplaytoday.org/posts/letter-o…

In 2025, the BPI team sat down with community leaders, parents, and experts to talk about the real-world impact of year-round access to play. Check out the BPI mini-documentary for more: youtube.com/watch?v=pEdKNZ…

We hope those who are snowed in this week stay safe and warm! When the snow starts to melt, communities deserve a reliable place to play. Get the facts on surfaces that use recycled rubber at BetterPlayToday.org.

In a recent news segment, a Texas Parks Director explained how artificial turf with recycled rubber infill limits wear in high usage areas and keeps fields open for longer. It’s a can’t-miss segment. Check it out here: kxan.com/news/local/wil…

Recycled rubber helps communities around the country get out and play. It also helps keep more than 200 million tires out of landfills, contributing to safer play and a variety of other applications. Learn more at BetterPlayToday.org.

This weekend, the NFL postseason kicked off with six wild-card games. Two cities, Foxborough and Charlotte, used turf to brave the cold and wet conditions. Even the professionals struggle to keep grass playable when there’s too much — or too little — rain or snow. That’s why many communities have turned to turf. Get all the facts at BetterPlayToday.org.

2026 is here! At BPI, we’re monitoring for a landmark piece of research on turf and recycled rubber. Early this year, the California Office of Health Hazard Assessment (CalOEHHA) will release a final version of its comprehensive study on the use of turf and recycled rubber.  The original draft study, released in March 2025, found that turf with recycled rubber infill posed no significant health risks to players. We’ll keep you updated on the upcoming finalization here at BPI. betterplaytoday.org/posts/oehha-sy…

From the Better Play Initiative, sending you warm holiday wishes. We appreciate everyone working to strengthen community play spaces and look forward to continuing that work in the year ahead.