The Island has a long tradition of providing grass playing fields for physical education, organized sports, pick-up games, and general public enjoyment.
To encourage the environmentally responsible, improved maintenance of these fields, The Field Fund offers a comprehensive, pragmatic, organic approach to field management including upgrades and maintenance support for all Island playing fields.
04/14/2025
Another college football powerhouse converts its plastic playing field to natural grass -- "a decision rooted in both tradition and player safety."
"Grass is easier on the joints, the knees, the ankles. This is for our players,” said one staffer familiar with the project."
Julian Cyr Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell Maura Healey Cape Cod Times WCAI-FM WBUR The Boston Globe Safe Healthy Playing Fields Dylan Fernandes
When SMU Football hits the field on August 30 against East Texas A&M, it won’t just be the scoreboard catching fans’ eyes—it’ll be the ground beneath their
03/31/2025
What a monumental WASTE.💸🗑️
"Two artificial turf athletic fields built as part of the new Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate Middle School have had problems almost from when the school opened in March 2023, but really became apparent when it rained.
'Sometimes the field will start to float,' [Superintendent Marc] Smith said. A cork filling in the artificial grass also pulls up and floats, requiring crews to rearrange the cork. There is also erosion and sinking in the corners of the fields, he said."
Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District has decided to move forward with a new design for two artificial turf fields, due to drainage issues.
03/01/2025
“It is taking away a good and putting up something that is not good,’ said Anne Heaney, 81, a West Village resident and former childhood educator.”
“The last bit of Manhattan, they had to cover it with plastic. They could not leave it alone.”
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Field Fund posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
The Field Fund was founded on Martha’s Vineyard in 2017 by three working mothers who were eager to prove that healthy, organically maintained grass playing fields are the safest, most environmentally and financially responsible choice for Island schools, towns, and children.
The Field Fund offers both supplemental maintenance and renovations of playing fields; along with training and support for our partner schools and towns personnel, with the goal of improving the quality of these important recreational spaces for the Island community. Thoughtful, data-driven maintenance allows for intensive use, while minimizing surface-related injuries, rainouts, irrigation, and synthetic inputs. We encourage our partner schools and towns to leave their fields open – and offer additional maintenance in exchange. The grass can take it.
Another happy byproduct of The Field Fund’s work is that the fields serve as a climate mitigation tools by sequestering carbon in their soil and offering a natural cooling effect. Children can enjoy sport in nature, not at the expense of it.
Final Thought
Beyond our work here on Martha’s Vineyard, The Field Fund supports grass growing efforts in communities nationwide. While our formula for success is specific to the Island’s unique soil and climate, community needs, and sports culture, our approach can be adapted and applied to any place looking to better maintain their fields without breaking the bank or poisoning their environment. Our greatest reward is being able to share our experience – pitfalls and all! – with others.
