Las Vegas is moving forward with a plan to replace grass in some public parks with drought-resistant plants in an effort to conserve water, a decision that has sparked debate among residents and environmental groups. The city has approved a $4 million rebate program to help remove grass from certain areas, aiming to save 82 million gallons of water each year. Officials say the grass being removed is not used for any practical purpose, such as sports or recreation, and will be replaced with plants better suited to the desert climate. However, some community members and activists argue that the plan could harm the environment and make the already hot desert even more uncomfortable. Critics of the plan, including Laura McSwain, founder of the Water Fairness Coalition, say the city's approach is not truly about conservation and could lead to more water use in the long run. McSwain argues that removing grass might damage existing trees and increase local temperatures, which would require more water to manage. She also questioned the city’s claim that the grass being removed is non-functional, saying that parks are inherently functional, especially in a city where green space is limited. A new law, set to take effect in January, will make it illegal to use water from the Southern Nevada Water Authority to irrigate "non-functional turf," or decorative grass that serves only an aesthetic purpose. Under this law, the city plans to remove grass from 15 parks, with seven projects already completed. City spokesman Jace Radke explained that most of the grass being removed is in areas like parking lot islands, which are not used for recreation. Only two parks will see the addition of artificial turf: Cragin Park and Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex. Radke emphasized that the city has not removed grass that is used by the community, citing examples like the creation of new pickleball courts and an outdoor pool. Activists, however, argue that the city has not kept its promise to protect parks and recreational spaces, even after making such assurances when the law was passed. Stephenie Stephens, a lifelong Las Vegas resident, expressed concern that removing grass could lead to the need for more water to keep trees alive, which would contradict the city's conservation goals. She also pointed out that her grandchildren enjoy playing on the grassy areas in their local park, which are now being replaced with rock. Both McSwain and Stephens criticized the city’s designation of parts of local parks as "non-functional," saying that parks serve important community purposes, especially in a desert climate where green space is rare. Artificial turf, which will be used in Cragin Park, has raised further concerns. Studies have shown that some types of artificial turf can contain chemicals linked to cancer and can become extremely hot, posing risks to children and athletes. A 2008 study by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, found that artificial turf can reach temperatures as high as 169 degrees Fahrenheit. McSwain referenced an incident at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, where artificial turf reached 157 degrees during an NFL game, causing players' cleats to melt. She noted that similar heat issues have been reported in Las Vegas, where children play on artificial turf.