Park turf project divides Fort Bragg residents; petition cites chemical concerns

A child plays at Wiggly Giggly Park in Fort Bragg, Calif., on July 22, 2025. The park is at the center of a local controversy over poured-in-place rubber, which is set to replace the wood chips pictured. (Mandela Linder via Bay City News)

FORT BRAGG, 8/1/25 – A Change.org petition urging city officials to halt the installation of artificial turf at Bainbridge Park’s incoming soccer field and poured-in-place rubber at Wiggly Giggly Playground has gathered more than 200 signatures, as construction moves forward on a project that began with public workshops about a decade ago.

The petition, which argues there are considerable health and environmental risks associated with chemicals in both types of artificial surface, caught my attention. As a local mom who frequents the park, I was alarmed when I saw the petition circulating on social media – and as a journalist, I knew it was time to start asking questions.