Synthetic Turf Fields

Turf Fields in Arlington

Search for a location suited to your interest by viewing a list of our rectangular fields and diamond fields. You can also visit our online services page to request a field permit. View a map of synthetic fields

What is Synthetic Turf?

Synthetic turf is a grass-like surface material made of synthetic fibers that replicates natural grass. It is commonly used in athletic fields and playgrounds across the country. Due to their increased durability, synthetic turf fields can support about five times the amount of play as natural grass. Other characteristics of synthetic turf include:

• the ability to dry quickly from rain events-- making it accessible for more sports all year round in a variety of weather conditions.
• resilient qualities that avoid stiffness over time.
• minimal maintenance needs due to lack of necessary mowing, watering, fertilization, weed control, aeration or seeding. 

Testing and Materials

All of Arlington’s synthetic turf fields adhere to Synthetic Turf Council (STC) Guidelines and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) requirements, including those for physical property characteristics, permeability, relative abrasiveness, lead content and impact attenuation. Each field is tested annually to ensure it meets or exceeds national standards for shock absorption and impact attenuation.

Arlington is strategically, but cautiously, moving forward with its use of synthetic turf for athletic fields. Arlington County uses no materials from recycled tires in its synthetic turf fields. Rubber-like materials in Arlington’s synthetic turf fields use a virgin material manufactured expressly for the purpose of providing a high-quality playing surface in athletic fields. With the replacement of the stadium athletic field at Washington-Liberty High School and the two fields at Williamsburg Middle School, Arlington County is testing an entirely organic product as the infill material. The advantage of this infill is that it is entirely organic and significantly cooler in the summer months and can be easily recycled as landscape mulch at the end of the field’s life.

Turf Safety

Arlington County is committed to the safety of our patrons and maintains Arlington County fields to meet the highest standards for synthetic turf safety. More than 50 independent and credible studies from groups such as the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and statewide governmental agencies such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health and the California Environmental Protection Agency, have validated the safety of synthetic turf.  The County continues to monitor information on synthetic turf and will take appropriate action based on government recommendations. Read Arlington County Public Health Synthetic Turf FAQ.