Synthetic grass too enough to cause skin burns in Chatswood’s Concourse

Far from providing a cool spot to sit, the plastic turf masquerading as grass in Chatswood Civic Centre’s Concourse can be hot enough to cause skin burns.

That makes it a liability, Willoughby councillor Kristina Dodds has warned.

Dodds has called on the council to remove the plastic grass because “temperatures have been recorded at over 60C on a 28C day”.

The square is also at the heart of one of the north shore’s major entertainment hubs where films are screened, people picnic and students take a break from studying in the library.

The motion asks council to urgently consider replacing the artificial grass with a non-plastic safe alternative: “Plastic grass can in summer months reach extremely high temperatures exposing the public, and particularly children, to the risks of heat exp