Case Study: The Park District of Highland Park, IL
New: Park Advisory Committee being formed to evaluate current practices at the Park District and to develop a plan of action to design, develop, and implement a natural turf management program.
A Model CommunityThe Park District of Highland Park is a Model Community, as designated by
Illinois Recreation and Parks in 1992 due to progressive environmentally friendly practices.We encourage the Park District to continue serving as a model by implementing organic lawn care at its parks. |
Background: The Park District of Highland Park initially planned to spray the herbicide Confront on children's athletic fields at 3 public parks in the late summer of 2011. A public outcry resulted in a temporary postponement, a petition signed by more than 500 residents against the spraying, numerous anti-spraying letters written to the Park District, and the convening of a special public meeting.
This meeting on pesticide use at the playing fields was held on 11.Oct.2011. The meeting was well attended, and about 25 HP residents spoke -- ALL against the use of herbicides on these fields. Only one person, a non-resident representing the IL Turfgrass Association, spoke in favor of using herbicides. On 27.Oct.2011, the Board of the Park District of Highland Park unanimously passed a resolution on turf management. A Park Advisory Committee will be formed with at least 7 community members to analyze the current turf management plan and to develop a plan of action for natural turf management. In the short-term, there will be manual weed pulling in problem areas. |
Spraying athletic fields is unnecessary and unsafe
Scientific studies have linked lawn chemicals with serious health problems including cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive impairment, immune system disorders, and even behavioral problems. They can also be harmful to pets, birds, beneficial insects & can lead to resistance. Natural turf management techniques that do not use herbicides and pesticides have been shown to be successful in creating and maintaining professional ball fields. There is no justification for spraying where our children play.