Environment
& Health

We are committed to building our athletic field with safe and sustainable materials. For the soccer field infill, we plan to use a natural material called BrockFill, which is made of wood particles from sustainably harvested pine trees (instead of the traditional granulated crumb rubber, which is made from used tires). BrockFill is durable, safe, cool, and long-lasting, and it can be composted back into the soil at the end of its natural life.

For the synthetic turf itself, we plan to use a product that is recyclable and 100 percent free of PFAS (a class of compounds known as “forever chemicals” that may accumulate in the human body and leach into the groundwater). Our research shows that both of these products are durable, cost-effective, and well-suited to our mountain climate.

In the past few years, the sports industry has developed innovative track and field materials that are not only better for the environment but also safer for athletes. The BrockFill system includes the installation of a rubber pad below the field to provide shock absorption and protect players against concussions.

Studies in both the U.S. and Europe show that playing on synthetic turf does not have an impact on injury rates, infection, chemical exposures, or other health risks. Another study measuring chemical and metal concentrations concluded that synthetic turf fields don’t pose a health risk nor leach into surface water or groundwater.

The design, planning, and construction of the Cimarron Athletic Field are all informed by our commitment to minimize possible adverse effects on the natural environment.