Unlike black crumb rubber fill that absorbs the heat, the green color of the EPDM (ethylene propylene, diene monomer) infill will help reduce the heat.

The project drainage has been approved by the City of Highland Park and the Lake County Stormwater Commission and meets all requirements.

Because of its composition as a coated material, there is minimal risk of inhalation, ingestion, absorption, or migration.  EPDM is used in potable water applications, meaning EPDM seals are present in all municipal drinking water systems including faucets used inside the home.  

Toxicology tests were done on EPDM (ethylene propylene, diene monomer) by an independent lab using the EPA Method 6010 standard – testing for the presence of heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and phthalates(fal-ates).   No harmful emissions were found.

The EPDM (ethylene propylene, diene monomer) fill used in the Fink baseball field is a non-toxic material that is recyclable and reuseable. 

No, EPDM (ethylene propylene, diene monomer) is not regulated or tracked by the EPA because it is not designated as harmful.

The fill is EPDM (ethylene propylene, diene monomer), it is a non-toxic plastic rubber that is widely used in our everyday life from weather stripping, flooring to playground surfacing.   It is also recyclable and reusable and has high resistance to abrasion and wear. 

The fields have reached their useful life. Neither the north or south ballfields are used for programming and the District understands there is limited use. As part of this project, the South ballfield will be completely removed and restored to grass. The North ballfield backstop will be replaced and the infield will be restored to grass.

The playground will be closed beginning in August of 2024 until November 2024.

The playground will have new woodchip surfacing. Curbs will be added around the playgrounds, to help keep the woodchips in place. The tot lot will have a small section of pour-in-place surfacing surrounding the embankment slide (slide built into a hill).