Since the summer of 2025, the sound of numerous bulldozers and dump trucks digging into The Baldwin School’s Upper Field has been heard across campus. This is a part of Baldwin’s four-million-dollar investment — a new turf field for Baldwin’s field hockey, lacrosse, and softball programs. 

A turf field replacing the original Upper Field grass poses an opportunity to make a positive environmental impact on our campus. At the same time, students should educate themselves about how turf fields can sometimes pose environmental concerns of their own.

Any construction project comes with tradeoffs, and it is always important to consider those tradeoffs. Installing a turf field gives us the opportunity to learn about the tradeoffs that exist in a construction project. 

For one, cooling artificial turf can require more water than cooling certain natural grasses. Turf fields also contain PFASs, which is what makes the turf heat, stain, and water resistant. However, their strong carbon-fluorine bonds resist breaking down into the environment, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals,” according to an article by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

According to Dr. Aimin Chen, professor of epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and co-director of the Philadelphia Regional Center for Children’s Environmental Health, PFASs are linked to cancer, immune system issues, and numerous other adverse health conditions when ingested or inhaled. Additionally, these chemicals can leech into the surrounding water, potentially harming nearby wildlife or drinking water. 

In consideration of the negative environmental impact of turf fields, Baldwin chose to work with the company Spinturf, which “has an ongoing commitment to sustainability in all aspects of operation,” according to the homepage of their website. For example, the company uses BrockFILL® infill, which reduces the surface temperature of the turf so that it requires less water to lower its temperature. 

However, Spinturf has faced public criticism in the past when a Philadelphia Inquirer article raised concerns about its testing practices. In 2024, the company presented misleading environmental tests on a South Philadelphia recreational center turf field, claiming that the turf did not contain “forever chemicals.” However, three independent experts who reviewed the lab results concluded that the testing methods were inadequate and the turf likely still contained the chemicals. In light of these controversies, how did Baldwin make sure that Spinturf’s work on our turf field was safe?

According to Mrs. Macziewski, Spinturf was recently acquired by another company, Hopleyore, and the original owners are no longer involved. Mrs. Macziewski is familiar with the new leadership and vouches for their reputation. 

Ms. Macziewski and Baldwin’s athletic department interviewed multiple companies and settled on Spinturf because of its unique designs and environmentally forward products.

Additionally, according to Mrs. Macziewski, 99% of Baldwin’s turf is sourced from a company in Calhoun, Georgia, which cleans and reuses its infill rather than mixing it with other fields’ infill. This is beneficial for both safety and sustainability.

“It’s really important for us to have the most environmentally friendly field that is cost-effective,” Mrs. Macziewski said. 

Since some sports require Baldwin student-athletes to play on a turf regardless, this sourcing strategy reduces exposure to chemicals compared to other fields, Mrs. Macziewski said.

Those concerned about Baldwin’s iconic cherry blossom trees will be happy to know that the construction team modified the locations of entering construction vehicles and retaining walls to protect the roots of these trees.

“I’m really glad that we’re investing in something that our students and families have been asking for,” Mrs. Macziewski said. “I’m excited to watch [field] hockey and softball games, and for more kids to see these opportunities.”