Opponents Claim Health Concerns In SF Beach Chalet Soccer Field Case

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Opponents of a plan to re-tool the Beach Chalet Soccer Field in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park were back in court Tuesday to object to things like, artificial turf, the lighting and even the location.

San Francisco Recreation and Parks wants to increase playing time for what it calls a shortage of youth soccer fields, by adding bright lights and artificial turf at the popular field next to the Beach Chalet.

With the help of attorney Richard Drury, opponents filed a lawsuit claiming the proposed turf is toxic and should undergo environmental review.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:

"They use something called styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). The studies show that that creates a very high cancer and non-cancer risk for children who play on those fields, which includes my own children," he said.

This latest hearing was over whether City Fields Foundation, which is paying for the renovation, should be allowed to intervene on the side of Rec and Park. Their Attorney is Scott Emblidge who said the foundation represents the interests of kids who need more playing time.

"Studies have shown that this turf is safe, but that's not what these folks are all about. They're about stopping this project," Emblidge said.

The soccer field renovation was supposed to begin in January, but now construction is on hold until the legal issues are settled.

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