A rally in opposition to a turf field development plan is scheduled to take place before the Edmonds School Board meeting at the district office later today, according to ESD Spokesperson Debbie “DJ” Jakala. The rally, scheduled for 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. according to the organizers’ Facebook group, is in response to the Edmonds School District’s plan to install an artificial crumb rubber turf at the former Woodway High School site.

Jakala said she hopes the rally remains a “peaceful opportunity” for citizens to express their concerns.

During several of the latest board meetings, residents of the area surrounding the former Woodway High School have expressed many concerns during the public comments section, with many citing concerns of safety and traffic and noise issues that may result from development of the multi-field complex.

At the last board meeting, the school board voted 4-1 to again use crumb rubber at Edmonds Stadium, a different project that was being considered. Some opponents of the turf plan for the former Woodway High School criticized this decision as well, saying any use of crumb rubber by the district was a step in the wrong direction.

According to several studies conducted in the United States and in Europe, there is no clear health risk resulting from exposure to turf fields.

In a previous board meeting, ESD Executive Director of Business and Operations Stewart Myhre pointed to a Connecticut Department of Health Study, which found, “outdoor artificial turf fields do not represent an elevated health risk.”

Opponents of the plan have created an online petition which can be found here.