Daryl Galloway: Green grass a safety issue for baseball, soccer, football

The letter “All must conserve, no exceptions” (June 15) was in response to “Sports fields won’t be allowed to to go brown” (Page A1, May 28). The writer was angered that she is conserving water, as she should, and feels athletic fields should not be exempt.

Athletic fields are not green so that they can be pleasing to look at. This is a safety issue for the kids in our community. Sports like football, baseball and soccer were designed to be played on grass because of the dangers related to falling, sliding and tackling. Playing surfaces need to be maintained and watered enough so that when an athlete falls, dives or gets tackled, the healthy grass cushions the impact.

By adhering to stage 2 restrictions, the grass dies and the surface becomes brown and hard. Dead spots will create dangerous low spots. These dead spots can cause twisted ankles/knees etc. Saving water is vital for all, and we all need to tow the rope. However, the safety of our young people trumps that. We can save water without risking the health and safety of our kids. I am thankful Modesto City Schools is seeking an exemption for its athletic facilities.

This story was originally published June 15, 2015 at 10:36 AM with the headline "Daryl Galloway: Green grass a safety issue for baseball, soccer, football."