I've been at this place a few times and while it looked a bit dumpy and poorly maintained the last time I was there (I'm not sure if it did now) I don't think its enclosures are bad for the most part.
I don't think this ASCO exhibit is bad, but I do think it would have been better to use real grass or even dirt, even though the otters would probably make a big mess of it (but that would be enrichment in itself, right?). I do agree that a more or less natural substrate is something that should be preferred if possible.
I was able to visit this SEA LIFE this year, the Astroturf is still present but the otters do now have an area of grass. The area right of the river now has live grass
