West Palm Beach

Project EverGreen, the national nonprofit devoted to creating a greener, healthier, cooler Earth, the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA), the City of West Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Department, and local volunteers teamed up last week at Howard Park in West Palm Beach, FL to give the 13-acre park’s softball field a makeover. The heavily-used field needed a renovation and enhancements to enable it to become a safe, sustainable playing surface and keep it a vibrant part of the community. Volunteers — including sports field managers, lawn care professionals, landscape contractor, and groundskeepers — assisted with the transformation valued at more than $50,000. STMA supported the renovation project by having more than 70 professional sport turf managers on site. “We were thrilled to be a part of this important project and bring a well-managed and playable ballpark to a deserving community,” says Kim Heck, CAE, CEO of the STMA. “To use our professional expertise and know-how and bring a plan like this to life is a win-win for everyone.” West Palm Beach Director of Parks and Recreation Leah Rockwell says the renovation project is a wonderful opportunity for the city, Howard Park, and park patrons. “Our staff had a wonderful opportunity to work alongside these highly experienced sports turf maintenance professionals, and their sharing of knowledge and tricks of the trade is immeasurable,” adds Rockwell. The scope of the project included: Leveling and refurbishing the existing softball infield. Refurbishing the warning track. Laying of new grass edges along the 1st ...