Are Local School Grounds Safe?

On lazy summer afternoons, people not only frequent parks with their kids, but go to local school playgrounds and fields to toss frisbees, play ball, and just run around. But, how do parents know if pesticides have been applied to those fields?

Since school is out, parents aren't notified ahead of time when a pesticide application has taken place. And even when school is in session, parents often bring their kids to the closest school yard to play. While the school may be close by, it doesn’t mean their kids attend that school. So, they don't receive any prior pesticide application notice. By the time they hit the grass, they may be exposed to pesticides.

The New Jersey legislature is considering legislation, The Safe Playing Fields Act (S1143 / A2412), that would reduce this risk. This bill prohibits the use of potentially toxic synthetic pesticides on school grounds, day care through 8th grade, as well as on park play grounds, except in the case of an immediate threat to public health.

"We call upon the New Jersey legislature to pass this legislation," then-Deputy Mayor Kathryn Weller-Demming declared enthusiastically at the township council meeting on June 12. At that meeting, the council unanimously passed a resolution in support of The Safe Playing Fields Act and pesticide-free school grounds in general. 

“I believe I speak for all parents in Montclair and beyond when I say we are very grateful to the Montclair Town Council and Environmental Commission for their wisdom in putting children’s health first.” says Suzanne Aptman, from the Northern NJ Safe Yards Alliance (“Safe Yards Montclair” locally). “This bill now has 62 bi-partisan co-sponsors representing a majority of the NJ legislature and strong support among New Jersey parents, the children's health and environmental communities. They understand that organic field maintenance practices are safer for kids, are effective, and affordable.

"The legislative leadership had a chance to post the bill for a vote in June and did not. With such great support and need for this bill, they should do it this fall," she said. "It's time to protect kids from pesticide exposure where they play.”

East Orange High School recently went organic on its sports playing fields for similar reasons.

Montclair Senator Nia Gill and Assemblyman Thomas Giblin are co-sponsors of the bill. Montclair Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, as Assembly Speaker, is in the legislative leadership position to help get this bill to the governor's desk this fall. If you would like to learn how to take action on this bill and get involved in this cause locally, you can email Info@NorthernNJSafeYardsAlliance.org or call (973)-744-2294.