Coral Gables Senior High began installing a new artificial turf field this year as the Miami-Dade School Board prepares a December safety review.

The school's official Instagram account posted on March 5 that the turf project was "making great progress" and would be ready for the 2026-27 school year. Whether the field has been completed is unclear. Gables High, at 450 Bird Road, offers more than 18 sports programs.

District Weighs Whether Synthetic Surfaces Are Safe

The turf installation comes as the district weighs whether synthetic surfaces are safe for student athletes. NBC Miami reported Aug. 31 that the school board will revisit the turf question in December and issue a recommendation. The Miami Herald reported Aug. 11 that the board approved an advisory committee to review artificial turf's health, environmental and cost impacts.

Doctor Warns Turf Can Cause Burns Within Minutes

Heat is the sharpest concern for parents. Ilan Shapiro, chief medical officer at AltaMed, told NBC Miami that artificial turf reaching 125 degrees Fahrenheit can cause a first-degree burn in about 10 minutes. Above 140 to 160 degrees, skin damage can happen in seconds.

PTA President Says Injury Data Is Missing

Jackie González, president of the Miami-Dade Parent-Teacher Association, told NBC Miami that concerns about turf temperature and student injuries were raised at a board meeting, but officials lack data on how many students have been hurt.

"There's not enough data and research that has been presented for us to have a decision on whether turf is the best option or another alternative for schools," González said.

Turf Installation Can Cost Triple the Price of Natural Grass

The price gap is steep. Abel Abad of Monster Grass South Florida estimated artificial turf installation for an average school football field costs $150,000 to $250,000, according to NBC Miami. Natural grass runs roughly a third of that, about $45,000 to $50,000.

Individual Schools Still Make the Final Call

Under current district policy, each school decides whether to change its fields based on its own budget and parent input. The board's December recommendation will not mandate a districtwide switch. No specific meeting date has been announced.