MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
JIMMY SIMPSON Still in the Game
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By Jennifer Howard
“If
you’ve never killed natural grass, you’ve never tried to grow it,” said Jimmy Simpson, NC State alumnus and Facilities Coordinator with the Town of Cary, North Carolina. “I’ve killed plenty of grass. That’s how you learn – from your experiences.” Sports turf management is a growing field as municipalities expand outdoor offerings. Social distancing has pushed us outdoors to play more than ever, making public spaces in high demand. While many organized sports are modified this year, our need for green play space is more important than ever. Jimmy Simpson oversees all of Cary’s 45 athletic fields, volleyball courts, and supporting facilities with a team of 23 full-time employees. An avid high school baseball player and fan, he saw sports turf management as a long-term connection to stay in the game he loves.
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PHOTO 1: Town of Cary fields host athletic events at all levels of play. Photo from 2017. PHOTO 2: Simpson with other NC State Alumni John Tournour and Clark Cox [left to right]. Photo from 2010.
8 North Caro lina Turf gra ss
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www. nc turf gra s s . o rg
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N ov e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 0
