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On Turf, Under Pressure: Heat Puts Athletes at Risk
By Elizabeth Dzina at FOX 44 News (KWKT)
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
Waco , TX (FOX 44) - Artificial turf heats up more than natural grass during the summer months because its plastic and rubber materials trap heat. "It's just going to hold the sunlight, unlike regular dirt and grass, which condenses and kind of cycles through the water cycle," Director of Strength...
Key takeaway "It's just going to hold the sunlight, unlike regular dirt and grass, which condenses and kind of cycles through the water cycle," Director of Strength and Conditioning/Assistant General Manager for [...
Why this matters in The Waco
As summer temperatures soar in Waco, the heat trapped by artificial turf poses a significant risk to local athletes. With many schools and sports facilities in McLennan County relying on artificial turf for their fields, the potential for heat-related illnesses is a pressing concern. The unique properties of artificial turf, which cause it to retain heat more effectively than natural grass, can create hazardous conditions for athletes engaging in intense physical activity. This issue is particularly relevant in Waco, where summer heatwaves are common and athletes often practice and compete during the hottest parts of the day. Local coaches, trainers, and athletic directors must be vigilant in monitoring temperatures and taking steps to mitigate the risks associated with artificial turf, such as providing ample hydration and scheduling practices during cooler hours. By taking proactive measures, Waco's athletic community can help ensure a safe and healthy environment for all athletes.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 44 News (KWKT) . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 44 News (KWKT) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 44 News (KWKT) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Waco, TX (FOX 44) - Artificial turf heats up more than natural grass during the summer months because its plastic and rubber materials trap heat. "It's just going to hold the sunlight, unlike regular dirt and grass, which condenses and kind of cycles through the water cycle," Director of Strength...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by FOX 44 News (KWKT) and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Elizabeth Dzina at FOX 44 News (KWKT). To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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