Across La Crosse, many playgrounds and communal spaces currently incorporate surfaces made from recycled rubber or synthetic materials. SPACE-La Crosse is a community initiative founded by local parents and residents advocating for the transformation of these play environments. Their mission: replace artificial surfaces with natural materials—wood chips, sand, grass—that are safer, healthier, and more sustainable. Space Lacrosse
This organization embraces both grassroots activism and scientific inquiry. By engaging with families, school districts, student researchers, and environmental science partners, SPACE-La Crosse frames its advocacy not as an ideological stance but as a community-based movement grounded in data, care, and long-term well-being.
Track Record & Recent Achievements
Removing Rubber Chips, One Playground at a Time
One of SPACE’s notable accomplishments is the removal of rubber chips at Northwoods Elementary School—a project that had been years in the making thanks to persistent parent advocacy. Space Lacrosse Other schools still using rubber chips, such as State Road, Spence, and Hintgen, are part of the group’s future focus. Space Lacrosse+1
Because of these efforts, local stakeholders have begun to recognize the health and environmental risks associated with recycled rubber surfaces: heat intensification, presence of heavy metals, and challenges to soil health. Space Lacrosse+1
Collaboration with Student Scientists & Toolkit Launch
SPACE has partnered with chemistry faculty and students from UW-La Crosse to conduct sample testing of rubber chip surfaces. Their findings—elevated levels of trace metals—have underscored the urgency of the initiative. Space Lacrosse
In mid-2024, the group released an advocacy toolkit (“Community Action Guide to Removing Recycled Tire Material from Playgrounds”) intended to help other communities replicate their approach. The toolkit includes steps for assessment, community engagement, policy advocacy, and safer material alternatives. Space Lacrosse
Additionally, SPACE was selected to participate in the Thriving Earth Exchange, connecting scientists with community-driven environmental projects. Space Lacrosse+1
Looking Ahead: Challenges & Opportunities
SPACE isn’t shying away from tough questions. As the group contemplates its next moves, several priorities have emerged:
- Should the focus shift to workplaces where older synthetic surfaces remain?
- Is advocating for policy changes to prevent future rubber chip installations the next frontier?
- Might the group expand its efforts to synthetic turf, AstroTurf, and poured-in-place rubber surfaces?
This flexibility indicates maturity: the group is willing to adapt as evidence and opportunity evolve. Space Lacrosse
However, some challenges persist. Funding constraints remain a hurdle—at one point, a government grant request was declined, which slowed several planned removals. Space Lacrosse Also, coordinating with school districts, navigating building codes, and ensuring ADA compliance on alternative surfaces demand careful planning.