BetterPlayInitiative

Providing definitive information about recycled rubber and its uses in creating safe, sustainable community spaces.

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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: https://t.co/7aEhtJQl6s

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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: https://t.co/xc8UjdU0uT

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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: https://t.co/26tmNjaJQs

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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: https://t.co/u05FtjS4Kj

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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: https://t.co/JHRCyLNOwi

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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.

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

Bryan, top scientists from California already looked at this.

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment just completed a major study on turf fields that use crumb rubber. They found “no significant risk” for players, coaches, and others using the fields.

It’s not the first time that scientists have studied this issue and came away with similar findings, but California’s is the most comprehensive study to date. Take a look.

https://t.co/AehHLzYktp

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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 https://t.co/0uCd4D12bD: https://t.co/JHRCyLNOwi

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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:

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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: https://t.co/7xp7hPSlsE

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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.

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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: https://t.co/JYrvY6N5qJ

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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: https://t.co/wgylEfKDKV

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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.
https://t.co/AehHLzYktp

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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.

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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: https://t.co/HG1UMHjr90

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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:

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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:

[BetterPlayInitiative @BetterPlayToday]

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: