Ruppert Landscape Appoints Bob Jones as Chief Sales Officer
Jessica Schwartz
Phoenix Elementary School Wins “Our Winning Green Space” Contest
When Maxine O. Bush Elementary School Principal Leslie Saulsby learned about the Project EverGreen “Our Winning Green Space” contest, he decided to enter but never thought he had a chance of winning. His response upon receiving a phone call with the news that his school had won was “I’m shocked!” As the contest winner, the Phoenix, AZ school received an Exmark Lazer Z X-Series 60-inch riding mower and 30-inch walk-behind mower that will help maintain the school district’s athletic fields and grounds helping to create safer playing fields, as well as an athletic field make-over. The mower package – donated by Exmark and delivered to the school grounds by the local Horizon distributor – includes commercial grade mowers that the school will keep, even beyond the renovation. The school’s athletic and recreation fields were barely usable and presented a safety issue due to an aging and damaged irrigation system, drainage, and seeding that resulted in uneven playing surface that was dotted with bald spots, rocks, and weeds. As a result, the 400-student school – kindergarten through 8th grade – was unable to use the fields for recess, physical education classes, or after-school sports, according to Saulsby, a former athletic director. “This meant our students have half of the athletic opportunities that other students at nearby schools,” said Saulsby. “The fields are a hinderance to having a proper PE and health curriculum as well as having a usable space for recess and activities which are essential to the individual student ...
Turface Athletics, Cubs Charities Hold Field Maintenance Workshop
Turface Athletics® and Conserv FS have partnered with Cubs Charities to provide Diamond Project field maintenance workshops for youth baseball and softball leagues. The goal of the workshops is to teach youth sports volunteers how to get their fields into playable shape so athletes can safely and fully enjoy a new season of team sports. Last month, volunteers with Turface and Conserv FS provided expert guidance to youth league volunteers and Chicago Park District employees during a field day at Warren Park in Chicago. Participants learned the basics of maintaining the field, pre- and post-game routines, tips and tricks for how to manage rain and preseason/postseason prep. As part of the program, Turface and Conserv FS also donated infield conditioner and clay for the event and provided field maintenance tools for participants to maintain their own fields. “We’re proud to partner with these great organizations to provide coaches with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain their fields and provide a safe playing surface for athletes of all ages,” said Jeff Langner, brand manager for Turface. “After a year where many districts had to shut down youth sports, we’re happy to be rebuilding fields while also reestablishing community connections and supporting our youth.” Since 2014, the Diamond Project has committed nearly $8,900,000 to fund 90 capital improvement projects and more than $840,000 in grants to 72 youth baseball and softball programs to support operations and equipment needs. For more information on Cubs Charities and the Diamond Project, please visit ...
