Scenes From Grand Re-Opening Of Roosevelt Island's New Artificial Turf Octagon Soccer Field - A Very Nice Evening

Image of Newly Re-Opened Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field With Artificial Turf

The Grand Re-Opening Celebration of the Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field with it's newly installed artificial turf surface occurred last Thursday evening and was a wonderful event. Kudos go out to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) and it's Community Relations Specialist Erica Wilder for what was a well organized and fun event for all who participated.

The early evening event began with great anticipation as Roosevelt Islanders of all ages lined up just on the outskirt of the Octagon Field to await the opening ceremonies



which began with brief remarks by Ms. Wilder and RIOC's Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez.


RIOC President Leslie Torres then presented the RIOC engineering staff


headed by Director Tom Turcic

with a plaque of commendation for their work in getting the field open, followed by RIOC's Permits Program Coordinator Donna Masly urging all Roosevelt Island residents to make use of the field.


Zog Sports representatives, including it's CEO Rob Herzog, then gave out raffle tickets for 20 soccer balls that they had donated for the occasion.




Members of the New York Red Bulls Special Tricks Squad (not the team players) then came out on the field to perform soccer tricks to the delight of the crowd.





Finally, the moment arrived for the official ribbon cutting

by RIOC President Leslie Torres

There's More!




and the Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field was officially open as the waiting kids rushed on the field

to start playing.

Later in the evening, Zog's Rob Herzog and RIOC's Ms. Torres handed out free soccer balls to the raffle winners.


Zog's Event & Philanthropy Coordinator Jodi Kanter later reported:

ZogSports was excited to help the residents of Roosevelt Island celebrate the grand re-opening of Octagon field last night. As part of our continued dedication to supporting, respecting and improving the communities in which we play, we were thrilled to donate 20 high-end soccer balls to the residents of the island. During the raffle (and afterwards on the field) we could see that we helped make these 20 kids so happy. We plan to continue to support youth sports on the island through our ongoing relationship with the Roosevelt Island Youth Center. We look forward to seeing everyone running around this fall.

Amalgamated Bank was also one of the event's sponsors


and let's not forget the Octagon Soccer Field Grand Re-Opening Celebration Cake either!


As darkness arrived, the lights came on and play continued into the evening.




It was a very nice evening and RIOC deserves credit for doing a good job.

RIOC Vice President Martinez indicated that the field will not be fenced in and will be open for spontaneous use and pick up games when not being used by organized leagues and others with permits but expressed the hope that the field will not be abused by those who use it.

Last Saturday morning, I walked on the field and was saddened to see it littered in some places with leftover water bottles and discarded ice cream cups.



More garbage cans near the field will be helpful but only if people care enough to put their garbage in the cans.

Roosevelt Island Youth Center Director Charlie DeFino has suggested the possibility of using the fields for Little League Baseball and softball as well.

I did hear from one parent who told me that her child fell on the field, scraping her knee and felt a burning sensation which hurt more than when she fell on natural grass.

City Limits magazine recently reported on the use of artificial turf at NYC parks:

... Artificial turf is part of PlaNYC, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's blueprint for an environmentally friendly future. Yet a City Limits investigation has found that overuse and chronic neglect has run turf ragged years ahead of schedule; price comparisons generally favor natural grass, even in the long term; and the health risks of turf—largely dismissed by the city after the destruction of one artificial field for high lead levels in late 2008—are much broader and deeper than previously reported.

After years of rejecting health concerns, the city recently agreed to switch materials and to set up new protocols for testing artificial turf, but the backroom negotiations that brought these concessions actually kept more threatening information from seeing the light of day

Paul, a reader of the City Limits article comments:

Synthetic turf is a necessary solution to urban athletes' tremendous need for playing fields. The alternative to synthetic turf, and my personal preference, living grass, requires irrigation; needs weekly rest periods during the growing season; cannot be played on while it is wet; and must be closed to play when it is seeded and during the winter to prevent root damage. All of this is necessary down time that NYC residents do not understand or respect. When the safety issues are resolved, the 12 month/seven day/all weather play opportunities synthetic turf affords will be well worth the expense.

A reader sends in this link to WNYC's Brian Lehrer interviewing the City Limits writer on artificial turf in NYC Parks.



Whatever the relative merits of artificial turf, the Grand Opening Celebration for the Re-Opening of Roosevelt Island's Octagon Soccer Field was a very nice evening.

Roosevelt Island's Resurfaced Artificial Turf Octagon Soccer Field Re-Opening Thursday August 26, 7 PM - Come Meet New York Red Bulls Soccer Team

Image From RIOC

The newly resurfaced with artificial turf Octagon Soccer field will be re-opened on Thursday August 27. Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Community Relations Specialist Erica Wilder reports to the community:

Greetings:

Please join the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation along with the New York Red Bulls Soccer Team on Thursday, August 26th at 7 PM as we re-open the newly resurfaced Octagon Soccer Field. Dust off your soccer cleats and participate in the fun as guests will have the opportunity to watch professional athletes perform eye-catching soccer tricks and play with some of the best soccer players in the country.

Autographs and photo opportunities will be available during the event.

In partnership with Amalgamated Bank and ZogSports.

The Octagon Soccer Field is located at 755 Main Street which is directly north of Manhattan Park- 40 River Road and across the street from the firehouse (750 Main Street)

Image of Resurfaced Artificial Turf Octagon Soccer Field

Artificial Turf Installed At Roosevelt Island's Octagon Field, Will Open In Mid August - Who Gets To Play On Field?

Octagon Field Artificial Turf

I was walking by the Octagon Field over the weekend and noticed that the artificial turf has been installed.

Octagon Field Artificial Turf

I inquired of Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez about the status of Octagon Field:

What is the next step and do you know yet when the field will be available to use. Also, will the field be available for use by anyone when there is not a a group with a permit using it? Pick up games etc?

According to Mr. Martinez:

The contractor is addressing some punch list items. We are planning a ribbon cutting event before we open the field to the public. A date has not been determined, but we are looking at sometime in mid-August. Pick-up games that involve a small group of people and that are not a regular occurrence, in general, will not be a problem.

Octagon Field Artificial Turf

Probably need to clarify what pick up games involving small groups on a non-regular basis not a problem means to RIOC.

Progress Being Made On Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field Artificial Turf Resurfacing - Planned Opening At The End Of July

RIRA's Operations Committee Chair Holding Artificial Turf Sample

Last January the Roosevelt Island Board of Directors (RIOC) approved a plan to resurface the Octagon Soccer Field with artificial turf. Work began when the weather got warmer and after an unfortunate incident involving the mistaken removal of some area trees it looks like real progress is being made on the Octagon Soccer Field artificial turf resurfacing.

Image By Francine Lange (Click To Enlarge)

Francine Lange was walking by the area this morning,

Image By Francine Lange (Click To Enlarge)

took some pictures

Image By Francine Lange (Click To Enlarge)

and reports:

Despite an ongoing heat wave, a crew continued working on the Octagon Soccer Field resurfacing project on a recent July morning, scheduled for completion at the end of the month.

UPDATE 5 PM - Received this image

Image from A Walk In The Park

and report concerning the extreme artificial turf temperatures at NYC Parks from Geoffrey Croft of NYC Park Advocates:

Surface temperatures taken at a dozen city parks yesterday reached more than 170 degrees, according to readings taken by NYC Park Advocates. Artificial turf fields came in at over 170 degrees, (image below) the highest temperature recorded in three years of monitoring. Temperatures on black rubber playground safety surfacing were recorded at over 160 degrees. By 9:15 am temperatures on artificial turf fields had reached over 140 degrees. All the temperature reading were taken before 12:00pm. Park users are advised to exercise extreme precautions in our city's playgrounds and artificial turf playing fields during this hot weather.

Young children are particularly susceptible as it can take only two seconds to burn on solid surfaces greater than 140 degrees, according to doctors. Each year more than a dozen children are treated in the City's three burn centers for injuries suffered on playground safety surfacing....

Don't know if artificial turf being installed at Roosevelt Island's Octagon Field is similar to the ones described by NYC Park Advocates but will inquire of RIOC.

Roosevelt Island Community Members Upset That Octagon Playing Field Trees Cut Down Without Prior Notice

You Tube Video From Roosevelt Island 360

Tomorrow is Arbor Day and as reported previously there will be a Roosevelt Island Arbor Day Celebration at the Meditation Steps from 10 - 11 AM featuring members of the Roosevelt Island Tree Board, students and teachers of PS/IS 217 as well as RIOC President Steve Shane.

While on the subject of Roosevelt Island Trees, there was some recent controversy regarding the cutting down of 15 -20 trees located on the Northwest Corner of the Octagon playing field which is currently undergoing resurfacing. The trees cut down can clearly be seen in the 2007 Roosevelt Island 360 Video and their removal from this recent picture.

Octagon Playing Field Resurfacing With Trees Removed From Corner

A reader sent in the account below. (Note that I have included explanatory references within the account that are in parenthesis and bold):

While walking the other day to Lighthouse park, I noticed that trees were down and branches were being put into some kind of shredding machine. I questioned some of the workers who told me to speak with the head guy who wasn't there.

This was over a 2 day span. The first day I saw a few down but it was unclear whether they had fallen due to a bad storm or if they were being taken down. On the second day there was no question I saw them cutting down trees. I was told from the workers that trees were being removed on only one side for the new Soccer Field. On my way back I went into RIOC and neither, Steve, Fernando or Rosina (RIOC Executive Staff) were in yet. I called Ally Swahri, head of the Tree Board to see if he knew anything about the trees and he didn't. He called Mike Smith (RIOC Parks and Recreation Manager), who referred him to Fernando. A few hours later I was going to Gristedes and stuck my head into RIOC again. I saw Steve Shane and we went into his office. He showed me an email that was sent to Margie (RIOC Director Margie Smith) explaining what's going on. As usual they have an answer for everything.

They were invasive trees, they needed to add an additional lamp post and although they did not communicate with the Tree Board they did consult with the prime contractor and the project's landscape architects. After going to Gristedes, I ran into Steve Shane (RIOC President) again who was on his way to the soccer field and he asked me if I wanted to join him. When we got there Fernando (RIOC VP Of Operations) was there. Again, they have an answer for everything.

I explained how sensitive the island is when trees come down and that he (Steve) has written in his column every issue of The WIRE about the field and never mentioned trees coming down. I was disturbed with their process, what they decide to tell us and what they don't. Fernando also mentioned that the trees had to come down not only because of the additional light that has to be added (because there is someone on the East Side of Manhattan, who has been making a stink that the other lights glare into her apartment) but because he does not want to block the Manhattan view from the Soccer players. You, of course, know what my answer was to that (Referring to the FDR Memorial Trees that will block waterfront views at Southpoint Park). Again, not only are they more concerned with renting out the field than with the residents, but they just have an answer for everything and that changes every minute depending on what they are trying to accomplish. Also, they are working with a landscape architect who will replace trees and they need to have a field that is of regulated size so that soccer teams will rent out our field.

These are the facts as I know them.

RIRA President's Frank Farance mentions the tree cutting in his recent Message:

... Meanwhile, after the Blackwell Park Committee went through painstaking efforts to make sure all the trees in Blackwell Park are preserved, you'd have thunk RIOC might ask its directors or RIRA before cutting down 20+ trees near Octagon, but they didn't consult with anyone -- lost trees and a firestorm of criticism for RIOC...

I asked RIOC VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez to comment and he responds:

Below is my response to a RIOC Board member who has raised the same question and concern:

"There are approximately 10-15 trees being removed for several reasons. First, the trees, most of which are invasive, are located on what will be the west sideline of the new field. Second, we are installing an additional light pole, and the trees will interfere with the new light pole including casting a shadow onto the field. Lastly, most turf fields have no or a limited of trees on its border in order to reduce the amount of leaves, flowers, etc. falling onto the field. We have not consulted with the Tree Board, but we were advised by William A. Gross Company, the project's prime contractor, and Quennell, Rothschild and Partners (QRP) the project's landscape architects. Both firms are very experienced and were highly recommended by NYC Parks and Recreation."

RIOC Approves Artificial Turf For Roosevelt Island's Octagon Field - Zog Sports Asked For Opinion But Not Youth Center

Image of muddy field from fjny is not of Roosevelt Island playing fields but could be.

There is no question that the Octagon Playing Field is a great big pile of mud when it rains. To alleviate this problem RIOC has been considering the use of an artificial turf surface for Octagon and other playing fields for the last several years but had put on hold any decision until safety questions had been adequately addressed.

During the January 12 RIOC Board of Directors Operations Committee Meeting (web cast here), RIOC President Steve Shane and VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez stated that the safety questions had been resolved by the NYC Parks department and recommended that the Board approve the purchase and installation of an artificial turf surface for Roosevelt Island's Octagon Playing Field. Mr. Shane asked the Operations Committee for its approval so that the purchase could be voted at during the January Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday January 14. Several Board members present at the Operations Committee meeting raised concerns that they were being asked to approve this item without adequate time for the Board members to responsibly review it's advantages and disadvantages.

Mr. Shane explained that the artificial turf proposal has been reviewed by RIOC staff for at least a year and that it would be beneficial to approve the item at the Operations's Committee meeting so that, upon approval by the full Board on January 14, the artificial turf can be installed by the end of May. If the Directors decided to wait for the following February Board meeting the artificial turf would not be ready for use until July.

Directors also were concerned whether Roosevelt Island residents who actually use the field were consulted on the use of this particular type of artificial turf such as the Youth Center Director. Mr. Shane explained that residents were consulted about the use of artificial turf but after being pressed by the Directors acknowledged that the Youth Center was not consulted on this particular type of artificial turf although non- Roosevelt Island residents such as the Corportate Zog League were consulted and approved of this type of turf.

RIRA Island Services Committee Chairperson Aaron Hamburger attended the Operations Committe Meeting and held up a sample of the artificial turf.


The subject was addressed during the RIRA Town Hall Meeting on RIOC' January Board Agenda. RIRA President Frank Farance expressed his concerns:

Folks-

Based upon yesterday's RIRA town hall meeting, I have several important concerns regarding the plan to immediately spend approximately $1.8 million on the turf for Octagon field.

1. Yesterday, by request of a RIOC board member, I contacted Charlie DeFino of the Roosevelt Island Youth Program to get his opinion. He said:

- The artificial turf is *not* the same one Steve Shane showed him previously.
- The sample provided to him by Donna Masly ripped easily.
- This artificial turn is not the one used by the city parks department nor the one used by the PSAL (sp?), which are the two main turfs.
- He said that Octagon field should be made into a multi-use field, such as soccer, baseball, etc. whereas the present RIOC plan is only for single purpose. (Note: The "pony" field just north of Octagon field is not usable for baseball for older kids/adults because they right field is very very short. Having one or two baseball fields on Octagon field would allow for more use.)
- He also expressed concern about spending $1.8 million when there are many other worthy items on the Island. ("$1.8 million would pay for youth services for all the Island's kids for [10-20 years]")

2. RIOC board members expressed concern about (yet again) having received information last minute. They complained: "We don't even know the name of the material [because we've be given so little information]". They also said that it might have been possible to give information about this months ago. They also complained that other significant board actions, such as the recent FDR memorial, they were only given information an hour before the meeting.

3. The usability of this artificial turf (and artificial turf in general) is in question. The community will be stuck with this surface for at least 10 years. RIOC board members told us that children, just to use the field, will require special equipment such as knee pads (so they don't get burned) and different shoes (so they don't ruin the field). RIOC board members say that cleats are prohibited on this kind of field, yet cleats are required for soccer games. As all the children learned this fall, no cleats and the officials with throw you out of the game. Really, this doesn't make any sense: one field the kids play with one kind of equipment, another field they play with a different of equipment. There seem to be a variety of hazards on artificial turf (burns, razor cuts, etc.) that were discussed last night -- this needs to be better socialized with the community because most of the RIOC board members are *not* actual users of that field. Board members state that the vendor has installed this turf in some other parks -- I strongly recommend that actual residents evaluate the playability and the safety of this kind of material, especially for youth players.

4. The need for an artificial turf is in question. The Octagon Field is used, on average, about 10-15 hours a week (according to RIOC's numbers). That's a relatively low usage. The real problem with Octagon field is the drainage problem. Regardless or whether one chooses real or artificial turf, the drainage problem has to be solved.

5. The RIOC financial analysis on this is oversimplified and improper. In short, RIOC says that the lifetime of the field is about 10-12 years, the field costs about $1.8 million, and RIOC takes in approximately $100,000 in revenue. At last night's meeting, we also learned that RIOC spends about $100,000 annually in maintenance on the field. The improper aspect of this analysis is merely looking at the revenue when one should be looking at the net profit. It's the net profit that one looks at concerning an investment because the net profit is what pays for the investment. RIOC does not quantify the maintenance (which still exists on top of one-time costs) and doesn't quantify the additional liability cost of the expected increase injuries on the field.

6. Lastly, while this is within the domain of RIOC governance, the whole idea of last-minute notification is very poor for decision-making. This appears to be an ongoing problem for the RIOC board. Directors have said: the best we can do is stop the contract once it's started. This is poor decision-making and increases the momentum of poor decisions. This is unacceptable to Roosevelt Island residents.

Although there might be some perceived urgency in getting this project started for this year's use, I recommend that the RIOC board split the effort into two pieces. The first piece is the repair of the field, regardless of which turf is used. The second piece is the choice of the turf, which does not have to be chosen today, but can be done a month or two from now when the RIOC board and the community have been information on this kind of artificial turf. I also recommend that the RIRA Island Services Committee (which had the same short notice) and RIRA Planning Committee be engaged in evaluation of this effort

RIOC President Steve Shane responds:

As I indicated at this AM's Board meeting, with all due deference to RIRA and Mr. Farance, this matter has been the subject of more than 2 years of investigation and attention. The Operations Committee fully reviewed the matter Tuesday evening and the Board approved it today.

Meet the new Octagon Playing Field Artificial Turf.


RIOC's January Board of Directors Meeting is available as a webcast here.

Report From RIOC's President - Tram Shutdown On Schedule, Temporary Ferry Service Survey & Artificial Turf - Also Improved Gristedes Service?

Image of RIOC Logo

RIOC President Steve Shane sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents. Mr. Shane updates us on RIOC Board Nominees status, Tram Modernization Changes, FDR Memorial, Green Rooms/Wild Gardens, Re-opening of Sportspark Pool, Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix Ramp problem, artificial surface for Ocatagon Playing Field, temporary Ferry service during Tram outage, Public Purpose Fund process , RIOC 2010 -11 Budget, Blackwell Park, Winter Coat Drive and Public Safety radar gun speed enforcement.

Mr. Shane also reports on a meeting with Gristedes in which billionaire supermarket owner John Catsimatidis promised "improving quality and reducing shelf pricing" as well as advising of a 10% senior citizen discount!

January 11, 2010

1. Board of Directors: Meeting on January 14 at 9:30 AM. No action yet from the NY Senate on the nominations of Margie Smith, Dr. Grimm and Mike Shinozaki, but it is rumored that the Senate Committee has reported the matter out to be acted upon before the end of January. As elsewhere previously reported, Commissioner VanAmerongen has resigned as of January 15, so this will be her last meeting as the Chair. She will be missed.
2. Tram: On schedule for shutdown March 1 and reopening by September 1, 2010. Because of the difficulties in isolating costs associated with the mechanical overhaul of the system and its component parts, we have agreed with POMA that it should go ahead with its work and when completed, as indicated by the resumption of service which is the overriding priority, we will take stock of where we are and how much is left in the budget to address aesthetic station improvements. I have had meetings with Community Board 8 to present the plan for crane usage, street closings (including the upper ramp of the Queensboro Bridge), permitted times, traffic control and safety precautions, all as submitted to the Departments of Buildings and Traffic.
3. Southpoint:
(A) Green Rooms/Wild Gardens: Phase 1 essentially complete. Permitting and RFP for phase 2 nearing final readiness to be performed in the Spring.
(B) FDR Memorial: Legal work on NYC Funding and Development agreements continues with the FERI attorneys carrying the load. Construction likely to start in the Spring. State Parks has rescheduled the meeting to determine methodology for future maintenance for January 29. A $2 million endowment has been received by State Parks. The Governor’s Budget, to be announced next week, will contain the re-appropriation of $4 Million of State funds.
4. Projects:
(A) Sportspark pool is reopened and fully operational, ADA and code compliant. The gym floor is refinished and bleachers installed. Planning for mechanical system replacement, new weightlifting equipment and other refurbishing is ongoing. The Youth Center will have greater access for basketball and soccer and adult leagues will have a place when the weather makes outdoor courts unplayable. The table tennis group is ever expanding. Watch for program announcements. The many programs available to the residents should make Sportspark a true community center.
(B) The status of the helix leading to the Island from the Bridge is being studied. Last repaired more than 20 years ago, an engineering inspection is being done to determine the condition and to program needed repairs. Long term wear and tear, with corrosion from salt in the wintertime, has taken its toll. Hopefully, there will not need to be complete rebuilding, with the attendant dislocation and cost, but the safety of the Island’s connection must be assured.
(C) Octagon Soccer Field resurfacing: We have met with the two lowest responsible bidders from the earlier RFP to reconfigure the present requirements in consideration of budget imperatives. With a nylon surface currently in use by the NYC Parks Department, utilizing existing light stanchions (plus one), new lighting fixtures and appropriate drainage and foundation, appears likely to come in within projected capital budget. Project can begin, hopefully, by February and completed four months later. Added by vote of the Operations Committee and consent to the Board agenda for action on the 14th.
(D) Motorgate: Scraping and painting ready to begin. Concrete work in abeyance until Spring. Lighting improvements await resealing of floors.
(E) AVAC: New exterior panels being installed. New compactor chambers on order to be installed in the Spring.
5. Ferry: It appears that a temporary service from the East channel oil dock during the Tram outage is possible, although usage and cost remain big questions. If all the morning rush hour Tram commuters (say 500 per hour between 7:30 and 9 AM) opt for ferry service to 35th street and are willing to pay for a 2 fare zone (say at $3 for the ferry ride including a bus up 1st Avenue, across 57th Street and back down 2nd Avenue connecting to other bus and subway lines), then it is projected as a breakeven. Less than such participation will require a substantial subsidy, presumably from RIOC, estimated to be on the order of $100,000 for the 6 months of the Tram shutdown. A survey will be conducted of Tram riders (by distribution on the Tram and published on our website) to try to ascertain interest. NYC EDC is participating in the discussions, but has not agreed to take up any of the financial burden. Stay tuned.
6. Public Purpose Fund: Seven (7) applications for the 2010/11 cycle were submitted. Completed applications will be delivered to RIRA for its review and recommendations to the Board in time for consideration at the March meeting.
7. Budget: The proposed 2010/11 Budget has been sent out to the community and is posted on RIOC’s web site for public review and comment before being formally presented to the Board for adoption, as it may be amended, at the March meeting. RIRA and other interested parties are welcome to review, comment and raise questions as part of the process. We have tried to set forth the detail of the assumptions that are part of the exercise and have made the projections for 15 years, subject to the inevitable infirmities of far off estimates. Both operating and capital budgets have been set forth.
8. Blackwell Park: Community participation in the planning process is seemingly back on track.
9. Credit cards use at Motorgate: As soon as the procedural mechanics are accomplished, transient parkers will be able to use credit cards to pay the parking charges at Motorgate.
10. Gristedes: We met on site with John Catsimatidis, the owner, and his staff to discuss operations of the store. Gristedes has a new buying arrangement with Shoprite, both allegedly improving quality and reducing shelf price. We discussed a marketing plan by web site or otherwise as there is no easy medium for communicating to the specific buying public on the Island. Does everyone know that seniors get a 10% discount on Tuesdays? Revitalizing Gristedes would be good for everyone.
11. Public Safety:
(A) With the certification for radar and the acquisition of hand held units, the PSD will be able to more rigorously enforce the speed limits on the Island. With greater public awareness, the streets should be safer.
(B) Pleased to report 260 coats collected and donated in the annual drive.

Happy and healthy New Year to all.

This message was also published as the RIOC column in the 1/16/10 Main Street WIRE.

Spring Is Coming - What Will Happen To RIOC's Artifical Turf Plan For Roosevelt Island Playing Fields?

Image of Roosevelt Island's Firefighters Field Winter 2009

An earlier post described plans by RIOC to solve the problem of poor playing field conditions at Roosevelt Island ball fields by replacing whatever remains of the natural grass with artificial turf.

The 2/9 NY Times reported on the controversy involving the use of rubber pellets or tire crumbs as synthetic/artificial turf for New York City sports fields.

Synthetic sports fields have become battlegrounds, with New York City’s parks and health departments on one side and some elected officials and activists on the other. One side says the turf is safe; the other says it harbors dangerous levels of lead and possibly other toxins...

According to the 2/10 Daily News:

The controversial material made from recycled tires will no longer be used in synthetic-turf fields for parks and schools, officials said yesterday. While insisting crumb rubber isn't toxic, the officials said they stopped using it because it overheats on hot days and could pose a health risk.

First Deputy Parks Commissioner Liam Kavanagh told a City Council panel that there's "no plan to replace crumb rubber" in all 95 existing fields. It will, however, be replaced as part of the normal 10-year renovation cycle....

After reading these articles and with the warmer weather reminding me of spring, I inquired of RIOC President Steve Shane:

Does RIOC plan on using the same system as the NYC Parks Department for Roosevelt Island ball fields, or something else, and what is the status of the playing fields for the upcoming spring and summer season?

Mr. Shane replied:

No, RIOC will not be using the crumb rubber that was found to be objectionable. We are very aware of all the controversy and if you look at the item (#8) on the Board agenda for the 19th, you will see a full discussion of the subject. I am sure the question will be asked and all we can do is provide the best information available.

And followed up later in the day with:

We are also following with Engineering at Dept of Parks and the City Council for the latest info. We will postpone any decision until clear what to do, although may ask for authorization from Board for extra c.$175,000 to spend on the eco friendly product, to be used only as public health issues are determined.

Agenda #8 on for the 2/19 RIOC Board of Directors meeting is:

Authorization to Enter Into Contract for the Octagon Soccer Field Renovation (Board Action Required)

Image of muddy field from fjny is not of Roosevelt Island playing fields but could be.

The Zog soccer players have been unhappy with the Roosevelt Island playing field conditions since at least the Fall of 2007.