The Portola Valley Planning Commission could make a decision Wednesday, March 6, on a proposal by the Woodside Priory School to install artificial grass on the interior field of a proposed new regulation-sized oval running track at 302 Portola Road -- an address within the town's scenic corridor.

The commission meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Historic Schoolhouse at 765 Portola Road. Town officials have considered this proposal 10 times since February 2011.

The artificial grass is a flash point, with some residents backing the fake grass and some opposing it. Backers point out the benefits that include low water use, low maintenance compared to real grass, and no need to let it rest between activities. Opponents note that such "grass" is in stark contrast with the town's back-to-the-earth ethic, and particularly in a prominent location within the scenic corridor.

At a recent meeting of the Architectural & Site Control Commission, two of the five commissioners expressed opposition to artificial grass, two commissioners seemed open to more analysis, and one appeared ready to accept it.

Go to this link for more background, including more on views from the ASCC.

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