MPSFMA NEWS - FALL 2023 by mpstma

VOLUME 13, NO. 3 FALL 2023

MPSFMA NEWS

NFL HALL OF FAMER JOHN RANDLE Keynote Speaker for November 15 Fall Workshop At Brackett’s Crossing CC in Lakeville

YOUR GO-TO SUPPLIER & PARTNER ON THE FIELD

Visit one of our 3 nearby locations: Plymouth Store

2722 Fernbrook Ln North Plymouth, MN 55447 763-503-0200

Hudson Store

Rochester Store

4165 HWY 14 West Suite 100 Rochester, MN 55901 507-292-0677

588 B Schommer Dr Hudson, WI 54016 715-690-2343

Shop These Products and More! • Grass Seed

• Ball Field Amendments

• Fertilizer

• Winter Products

• Chemicals

• Irrigation

Please reach out with any questions Joe Churchill

Reinders Field & Grounds Specialist 612-790-7333 jchurchill@reinders.com

Check out our website with over 20,000 products from the industry's top brands. Reinders.com

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By Derek Hollanitsch MPSFMA President City of Saint Paul

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Greetings to all as we reach the final stretch of 2023. Life seems to speed up and slow down at various junctures throughout the year. This has been the case for me as my time as President for the Minnesota Parks and Sports Field Management Association (MPSFMA) winds down. This same sentiment holds true as I look back upon my 36 years of employment with the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department. I’ve experienced a lot of changes over the years with how our industry performs various work. I feel confident seeing firsthand how so many of us bring forth our different skill sets that this organization will continue to thrive into the future. FALL WORKSHOP - NOVEMBER 15

MPSFMA FALL WORKSHOP

@ Brackett’s Crossing Country Club | Lakeville

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024

MPSFMA ANNUAL MEETING @ Target Field - All Members Welcome

JANUARY 22, 2024

PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION

@ RiverCenter | St. Paul - www.northerngreen.org

JANUARY 23-25, 2024

NORTHERN GREEN

@ RiverCenter | St. Paul - www.northerngreen.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2024

MPSFMA SPRING WORKSHOP @ University of Northwestern | St. Paul

Our Fall workshop will soon be upon us. The committee has assembled relevant information for all of us to take in and a quality luncheon to boot. Our keynote speaker has been secured in former Minnesota Viking and NFL Hall of Famer John Randle. From the locker room to the field, I’m sure John will have stories! Be sure stop by the various commercial vendor tables at the Workshop to see what services and products they can offer. BE LIKE MIKE I’d be remised If I didn’t mention one of our original charter members named Mike McDonald. Mike has been a familiar face to all of us. He continues to help grow and propel this organization forward. I want to challenge any general member or commercial member to get involved with the MPSFMA. The added friendships and professional networking that you gain is immeasurable. Reach out to anyone on the Board or contact our Executive Secretary Jeff Turtinen to get your name on the 2024 ballot. Be sure to look for many important dates coming soon as we transition into 2024. Sending continued good health to all this upcoming holiday season...

Derek Hollanitsch

Derek Hollanitsch President Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association

FALL 2023

Fargo, ND

St. Paul, MN

Tea, SD

St. Paul

Fargo, ND

Tea, SD

(651) 487-3850

(701) 232-7238

(605) 368-2586

Landscape • Greenhouse • Lawn Care • Turf • Winter Equipment

MPSFMA NEWS 3

Set November 15 at Brackett’s Crossing CC | Lakeville

Speakers from the NFL, MLB and College Highlight Fall Workshop Agenda for Nov. 15 The 2023 MPSFMA Fall Workshop is set for Wed., November 15 at Brackett's Crossing Country Club in Lakeville. This workshop will feature Minnesota Twins Turf Manager Larry DiVito; St. Paul Saints Turf Manager Marcus Campbell, and Minnesota State University's Turf Manager Bruce Leivermann. The presentation from the trio

will focus on the conversion of a baseball field to an ice rink from preparation to tear-down. Also speaking at the workshop is Jim Ruzicka, Main Line Consulting, who has worked in all phases of the irrigation industry: Construction, service, design and sales; Ruzicka will also talk about irrigation pitfalls with a sports field focus, the ups and

AGENDA 7:00 am Registration, Networking & Vendor Time Pastries & Coffee sponsored by The Tessman Company

8:00 am Welcome and Announcements MPSFMA President Derek Hollanitsch City of St. Paul

downs of design and application, along with common failures. Craig Gallup, Sports Lighting Authority will inform you what you need to know about the transformation of athletic field lighting. National Football League Hall of Famer John Randle will keynote the Fall Workshop. The complete agenda is below:

ROUNDTABLE: What Does It Cost? Sharing of recent projects, success and shortcomings of current projects shared by members. Any interested MPSFMA Members willing to share their project costs. (CIP items, fencing, lights, pavilions, playgrounds, novations, warming houses, field construction, etc.) Used to better understand the rising prices and budgeting needed to make your projects successful.

8:15 am -Main Room Irrigation Best Practices, Lessons Learned Jim Ruzicka, Main Line Consulting 8:15 am - Pearl Room The Transformation of Athletic Field Lighting: What You Should Know Craig Gallup, Sports Lighting Authority 9:15 am - Main Room Open Forum Discussion Fields Under the Ice: What Was Learned Bruce Leivermann, Minnesota State University/Mankato; Larry DiVito, Minnesota Twins/Target Field, and Marcus Campbell, St. Paul Saints/CHS Field 10:15 pm - Main Room Keynote Speaker: John Randle National Football League Hall of Famer 11:00 am Networking & Vendor Time 12:00 pm Italian Pasta Lunch Buffet Sponsored by Magic Turf 1:00 pm

FALL 2023

MPSFMA NEWS 5

FALL WORKSHOP KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

NFL Hall of Famer John Randle NFL Hall of Famer John Randle is set to keynote the November 15 MPSFMA Fall Workshop at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville. John enjoys golfing these days and is content that his NFL days as a football defensive tackle are behind him. Randle played eleven seasons for the Minnesota Vikings and three seasons for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He was a six-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler. His 137.5 sacks rank 10th all-time overall and 1st among defensive tackles. On February 6, 2010, he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He played college football at Trinity Valley and Texas A&I, went undrafted and is considered one of the greatest undrafted players of all time. After going undrafted Randle tried out for his brother's team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was thought to be too small, and was not signed to a contract. The 6'1" 244-lbs.

6 MPSFMA NEWS

defensive lineman was picked up by the Vikings after the draft on the recommendation of Head Scout Don Deisch. Randle was told by the Vikings that he would only be picked up if he came back with his weight over 250 lbs, but he was at 244 lbs, so when he was weighed he hid a chain under his sweats to get his weight up. Randle played his first season in 1990. Randle went to his first Pro Bowl in 1993 after recording 11.5 sacks, and quickly became one of the dominant defensive tackles of his era. Once Henry Thomas left the Vikings, Randle increased his training regimen. Randle would record doubledigit sacks during nine different seasons, including a career-high and league-leading 15.5 sacks in 1997. In a 1999 game against the 49ers, he recorded his only career interception. Like fellow Minnesota Viking Chris Hovan, Randle was known for eccentric face painting as well as trash-talking on the field, and disarming on-field heckling of opposing players.[8] Among Randle's most famous on-field catchphrases was "Six footers for LIFE!", an allusion to scouting criticism of being undersized for his position. Randle had an ongoing rivalry with Packers quarterback Brett Favre, whom he sacked more than any other quarterback; Favre said that Randle was the toughest defensive player he faced and that "on artificial turf he's unblockable." To play off the rivalry with Brett Favre, Randle starred in a commercial which featured him sewing a miniature version of Favre's #4 jersey which he put on a live chicken. The commercial then showed Randle chasing the chicken around what was supposed to be Randle's backyard and ended with Randle "cathing that chicken!" Randle's pass-rushing techniques were motion-captured for 989 Sports' NFL Xtreme series. He was the cover athlete for the second game in the series.At the end of the 2000 season, Randle signed with the Seattle Seahawks. In his first season with the Seahawks, he earned an invite to the Pro Bowl, the last of his career. Randle retired in March 2004. Although Randle had planned to retire a year earlier, Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren convinced him to stay one more year. The Seahawks made the playoffs in 2003 while he was on the roster, but did not reach the Super Bowl as they lost in the Wild Card Round to the Packers. Randle also acquired his final sack in 2003. Randle left the NFL tied with Richard Dent for fifth in number of career sacks. His 137.5 career sacks remains the second-highest total by a defensive tackle in NFL history, only ranking below fellow Vikings legend Alan Page, who had a total of 148.5 sacks.Over his career, he was named to seven Pro Bowl squads. He was named All Tackle Machine of 1999 by Tackle: The Magazine.

FALL 2023

The Magic’s in the Details!

We pride ourselves on our work, and let the results speak for themselves!

Athletic Field Maintenance • • • • • •

Turfgrass Maintenance

Field reconstruction Lip removal Infield grading/detailing Infield weed control Pitching mound construction Consulting

• • • • • •

Turfgrass stripping Grading & soil preperation Seeding & sodding Aerating Top dressing Fertilizing & spraying

(612) 900-5295 Jerrod Brunelle Jerrod@magicturf.com

www.magicturf.com

Real Concerns with Fake Grass By Dr. Michael R. Barnes Researcher & Lecturer Department of Horticultural Science, University of Minnesota / Twin Cities Artificial turf has been one of the most prominent topics of discussions among professionals, policy makers and academics in 2023. Back in January of this year, I published a blog post on this very topic, discussing the outlook of artificial turf for this year. In that post, I mentioned that this year would be a turning point for artificial turf given that the spotlight was turning its direction given concerns around human health and safety and environmental impacts. We aren’t quite through all of 2023 but I can confidently say that this has indeed been a turning point year related to artificial turf. Academic research on artificial turf has been expanding, policy makers have enacted new bans across the globe, and professionals have been speaking out about concerns with artificial turf surfaces. Before diving into the details, I want to clearly state two things up front, 1) natural grass surfaces are preferable to artificial turf surfaces in the vast majority of contexts however 2) there are specific contexts in which artificial turf could be considered. Those statements are based on a broad range of research that spans from psychology and kinesiology to toxicology and horticulture and will be discussed below. Also to note is that when thinking about these surfaces we need to consider them from a holistic perspective. Meaning that while individual attributes (e.g., texture) are important especially in certain contexts (e.g., sports fields), these surfaces are part of broader landscapes that have impacts that can go beyond the direct users. Let’s start with one of the most prevalent issues of discussion which is on the minds of many professionals and the public: injuries. At the broadest level, there is evidence that there is a higher risk of injuries on artificial turf surfaces compared to natural grass, especially related to lower limb injuries (1) and abrasions (2). Additionally, a range of thermally-related injuries and per-

formance issues are associated with artificial turf due to significantly increased localized heat on those surfaces especially on sunny days (3) . Importantly, while professional athletes, especially those with

8 MPSFMA NEWS

high profiles (e.g. Aaron Rodgers) garner much of the attention related to their injuries and artificial turf, these higher rates of injury extend to our high school athletes and even younger children (4) who could then live with the consequences of a serious injury into their adult lives (5). It’s important to note that within these considerations, there are variances in findings depending on sport, individual field conditions, and measurement techniques. Significantly more attention needs to be paid to the field conditions associated with injury risk across both surface types. As maintenance of both surfaces can have significant impact on playability and safety. Next let’s turn to environmental issues associated with artificial turf. While several concerns around natural grass have existed for decades related to inputs required for maintenance, such comparisons were made to landscape types that had very little in common with natural grass spaces (e.g., forests). Comparing more like-to-like surfaces then natural grass versus artificial turf, natural grass provides significantly more ecosystem services especially when maintained properly, let’s look at some examples and evidence. First, and foremost the installation of artificial turf means the disruption and replacement of a living natural system with a non-living one. This means removal of critical topsoil and a loss of both plant and animal biodiversity (6). On the microbial scale, while natural and artificial surfaces can have similar levels of bacteria present, artificial turf surfaces can have significantly higher levels of potentially pathogenic strains (7). More broadly, studies have found heavy metals from aging and weathered crumb rubber infill leaching into both water and soil impacting the health of plants and animals in both environments (8,9) which can be exacerbated by common maintenance techniques that cause infill to escape (10). Finally, preliminary studies have investigated the presence and impact on human health of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which could be related to acute and chronic health issues for individuals who regularly use artificial turf surfaces (11,12). (Contined on Page 9)

FALL 2023

Concerns With Fake Grass (Continued from Page 8) Taken together there are considerable verified and potential risks associated with artificial turf, many of which are unique to it and not present in natural grass. Finally let’s address some human factors that go beyond health and safety. Recently, a handful of studies have looked at perceptions comparing artificial turf and natural grass on everything from sustainability to suitability for different activities. Findings from these studies concluded that individuals viewed natural grass as more sustainable than artificial turf, as well as them being seen more favorably when it comes to human and ecosystem health (13,14). This is combined with individuals being more likely to use natural grass spaces for everything from having a picnic to viewing wildlife (15). These use related differences combined with views on sustainability and health, can make a significant impact on whether individuals actually use newly installed artificial turf especially now that such surfaces are entering home lawns and school playgrounds. Additionally, even in the context of sports fields athletes hold strong perceptions towards higher risk of injuries occurring on artificial turf surfaces (16, 17). These perceptions, whether valid or not, can have consequences for athlete performance related to fear of injury occurring or reoccuring. Taken together, it’s quite clear that natural grass surfaces should be preferred to artificial ones in the majority of cases. So where could artificial turf be adopted? Artificial surfaces could be considered in spaces where a ground cover is needed but natural grass would be hard to establish, where there is a significant expectation of constant use, or by organizations that might lack professional groundskeeping to maintain a natural grass area at acceptable levels. However, these considerations should be made in light of the significant tradeoffs in ecosystem services and risks associated with artificial turf. To summarize, we can see that artificial turf surfaces are associated with higher risks of certain types of injuries, can negatively impact both human and environmental health, and are broadly less likely to be used than natural grass surfaces. Considering the uptick in decisionmaker interest and the subsequent bans on the use of artificial turf across the globe, it would seem a more sound

FALL 2023

investment for cities and organizations to invest in the proper management of and professionals needed to maintain natural grass surfaces for their communities health and well-being. (Editor’s Note: All photos were taken by Michael Barnes. References are listed below.) (1) Gould, H. P., Lostetter, S. J., Samueulson, E. R., & Guyton, G. P. (2023). Lower extremity injury rates on artificial turf versus natural grass playing surfaces. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(6): 1615-1621. doi: 10.1177/03635465211069562 (2) Hinton, R. Y., Lincoln, A. E., Almquist, J. L., Douoguih, W. A., & Sharma, K. M. (2005). Epidemiology of lacrosse injuries in high school-aged girls and boys: A 3year prospective study. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 33(9): 1305-1314. doi: 10.1177/0363546504274148 (3) Liu, Z., & Jim, C. Y. (2021). Playing on natural or artificial turf sports fields? Assessing heat stress of children, young athletes, and adults in Hong Kong. Sustainable Cities and Society, 75:103271. doi: 10.1016/j.scs.2021.103271 (4) Paliobeis, A., Sivasundaram, L., Knapik, D. M., Labelle, M. W., Olson, M., Karns, M. R., Salata, M. J., & Voos, J. E. (2021). Injury incidence is higher on artificial turf compared to natural grass in high school athletes: A retrospective cohort study. Current Orthopedic Practice, 32(4): 355-360. doi: 10.1097/BCO.0000000000001012 (5) McKay, C. D., Cumming, S. P., & Blake, T. (2019). Youth sport: Friend or for? Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 33(1), 141-157. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2019.01.017 (6) Cheng, H., Hu, Y., & Reinhard, M. (2014). Environmental and health impacts of artificial turf: A review. Environmental Science & Technology, 48, 2114-2129. doi: 10.1021/es4044193 (7) Valeriani, F., Margarucci, L. M., Gianfranceschi, G., Ciccarelli, A., Tajani, F., Mucci, N., Ripani, M., & Spica, V. R. (2019). Artificial-turf surfaces for sport and recreational activities: Microbiota analysis and 16S sequencing signature of synthetic vs natural soccer fields. Heliyon, 5:e02334. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02334 (8) Murphy, M., & Warner, G. R. (2022). Health impacts of artificial turf: Toxicity studies, challenges, and future directions. Environmental Pollution, 310(1): 119841. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119841. (9) de Haan, W. P., Quintana, R., Vilas, C., Cozar, A., Canals, M., Uviedo, O., & Sanchez-Vidal, A. (2023). The dark side of artificial greening: Plastic turfs as widespread pollutants of aquatic environments. Environmental Pollution, 334(1): 122094. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122094 (10) Kole, P. J., Van Belleghem, F. G. A. J., Stoorvogel, J. J., Ragas, A. M. J., & Lohr, A. J. (2023). Tyre granulate on the loose: How much escapes the turf? A systematic literature review. Science of the Total Environment, 903(10): 166221. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166221 (11) Massey, R., Pollard, L., Jacobs, M., Onasch, J., & Harari, H. (2020). Artificial turf infill: A comparative assessment of chemical contents. New Solutions, 30(1), 1026. doi: 10.1177/1048291120906206 (12) Menichini, E., Abate, V., Attias, L., De Luca, S., di Domenico, A., Fochi, I., Forte, G., Iacovella, N., Iamiceli, A.L., Izzo, P., Merli, F., & Bocca, B. (2011). Artificialturf playing fields: Contents of metals, PAHs, PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs, inhalation exposure to PAHs and related preliminary risk assessment. Science of the Total Environment, 409(23), 4950-4957. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.07.042 (13) Barnes, M. R., & Watkins, E. (2022). ‘Greenness’ in the eye of the beholder: Comparing perceptions of sustainability and well-being between artificial and natural turfgrass. Cities and the Environment, 15(1):2. doi: 10.15365/cate.202.150102 (14) Barnes, M. R., & Watkins, E. (2023). “Nothing beats nature”: Park visitor preferences for natural turfgrass and artificial turf: A case study. HortScience, 58(4), 453-458. doi: 10.21273/HORTSCI17077-23 (15) Barnes, M. R., & Watkins, E. (2022). Differences in likelihood of use between artificial and natural turfgrass lawns. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 37:100480. doi: 10.1016/j.ort.2021.100480 (16) Twomey, D. M., Petrass, L. A., Fleming, P., & Lenehan, K. (2019). Abrasion injuries on artificial turf: A systematic review. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 22(5), 550-556. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.11.005 (17) Strutzenberger, G., Edmunds, R., Nokes, L. D. M., Mitchell, I. D., Mellalieu, S. D., & Irwin, G. (2020). Player-surface interactions: Perception in elite soccer and rugby players on artificial and natural turf. Sport Biomechanics. doi: 0.1080 /14763141.2020.1720279.

MPSFMA NEWS 9

Eric Watkins receives Environmental Communicator of the Year Award The Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) and Project EverGreen announced that Eric Watkins from the University of Minnesota received the 2023 TOCA Environmental Communicator of the Year Award. The award, which recognizes individuals for outstanding communications efforts regarding publicly managed green space and environmental issues, was presented during this year’s TOCA Annual Meeting in Portland, Maine. Watkins is the 24th recipient of this award. Watkins is a faculty member with the Department of Horticultural Science and teaches a variety of classes, including: The Sustainable Lawn, The American Lawn, Problem Solving in Horticulture and Plant Genetics and Breeding. “It’s a great honor to receive this award,” said Watkins. “When I first started my career in turfgrass breeding and genetics, I knew outreach was important but did not know how important it would be. Good genetics and good turf varieties will keep lawns functional and sustainable. We need to get the word out.” One example is a Watkins team that worked to digitize

the records at the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP), which has provided free cultivar and species performance data to the public for decades. However, resources were not available to efficiently access the data. Now, they are more accessible to anyone looking to plant a species or cultivar that is better adapted to their site. Watkins was nominated by Jon Trappe, Assistant Professor of Extension at the University of Minnesota. “It’s obvious that Dr. Watkins appreciates that simply having a strong research program that responds to the needs of the turfgrass industry is not enough,” said Trappe. “He has gone out of his way to create outreach components within each of his major research grants to communicate what he and his colleagues have learned.” These communications components include online training modules for professionals and homeowners to help with the successful establishment and maintenance of turf. “Dr. Watkins is an intelligent communicator focused on getting information into the hands of professionals and homeowners to plant the right grass in the right location,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “He goes beyond the research and motivates his team to creatively deliver best practices and educational information to lawn care professionals and enthusiasts.”(Editor’s Note: Originally published in the UMN Turfgrass Science blog at www.turf.umn.edu.)

ECO WORKS SUPPLY Supp ppli lier er of Org rganic and Natural Pro rodu ducts to the Turf Indu dustry Also Supplying: w Ice Melt w Robotic Painters w Corona Virus Disinfectants & Cleaners

Member of the MTGF, MGCSA and MPSFMA

www.ecoworkssupply.com

w Granular Fertilizer w Liquid Fertilizer w Soil Amendments w Crew Clothing w Compost & Mulch w Grass Seed wTerraMax (Tazo B) Products w Turf Marking Paints w Synthetic Turf w Athletic Field Covers w Netting w Pitching Mounds w Batting Mats w Pitching Machines w Sports Accessories

Jim O’Neill (612) 710-1718

Doug Daniel (612) 868-9615

Geoff Jordan (218) 213-2390

Daron VanHelden (612) 201-0661

jim@ecoworkssupply.com

doug@ecoworkssupply.com

geoff@ecoworkssupply.com

daron@ecoworkssupply.com

10 MPSFMA NEWS

FALL 2023

If you’re looking to elevate the image and quality of a facility by offering the most efficient ball field maintenance program, then the Ventrac is the right tool for the job. Achieve unmatched field leveling, weed control and a perfect finish on the ballfield with Ventrac’s Ballpark Renovator and Groomer. Call us today to learn how Ventrac's Ballpark Renovator and Groomer can help you achieve that perfect finish!

4830 Azelia Ave N Suite #100 Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 1-800-362-3665 www.mtidistributing.com

THIS HANDS-ON WORKSHOP TOOK PLACE IN WACONIA IN OCTOBER

Another Successful Community Service Project Makes Another Field Safe for Baseball Players The 2023 MPSFMA Community Service Project took place on October 4 at a Waconia Little League field (Playfield 1). The Community Service Project is a great way to learn best maintenance practices of a baseball field from local certified sports field managers! Special thanks to Nick Balistrieri, Beacon Athletics and Luke Wittrock, University of Minnesota for organizing the event with help from Mike Friederichs, HLS Outdoor; Nick Wilz, Heritage; Joshua Gerth, CSFM, Bethel University, and Derek Hollanitsch, City of Saint Paul. Jerrod Brunelle, MagicTurf, also was very instrumental for this project as he and his crew arrived a day early to level the playing field and other cosmetic improvements. MSC arrived a day later to finalize the project. MPSFMA views its Community Service Project as a great way for those newer to the industry can spend a morning doing hands-on work on a field with certified sports field managers along side to answer any questions. Make plans to attend this “hands-on” workshop in 2024! (More photos on Page 13)

Volunteers from MPSFMA included, from the left, Michael Friederichs, HLS Outdoor; Joshua Gerth, CSFM, Bethel University; Nick Wilz, Heritage PPG; Luke Wittrock, University of Minnesota; Nick Balistrieri, Beacon Athletics, and Derek Hollanitsch, City of St. Paul.

Your Twin Cities Professional Turf Supply Destination

Grass Seed Fertilizers & Herbicides Fungicides

Insecticides Arborjet Erosion Control

Soil Amendments Ball Field Products Landscape Lighting

WHOLESALE & PROFESSIONAL TURF SUPPLY

gertenswholesale.com | P: 651-450-0277 | F: 651-450-9380 | E: wholesale@gertens.com Eagan Location 1980 Seneca Road Eagan, MN 55122

Loretto Location 6265 County Rd 19 Loretto, MN 55357

12 MPSFMA NEWS

Elk River Location 906 Hwy 10 Elk River, MN 55330

Inver Grove Heights Location 5500 Blaine Avenue Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Forest Lake Location 55 2nd St. Southwest Forest Lake, MN 55025

Stillwater Location 10010 60th St. North Stillwater, MN 55082

Maple Plain Location 5135 Oak St. Maple Plain, MN 55359

FALL 2023

FALL 2023

MPSFMA NEWS 13

Northern Green Moves to St. Paul | Jan. 23-25, 2024 The challenges of the past few years have given everyone reason to pause, examine, and reassess. During the past several months, a collection of MNLA and MTGF board members and committee members have been meeting to discuss how to make our feature event, Northern Green, even more relevant to today’s green industry needs. After gathering feedback from members, exhibitors, and volunteers – we’re so excited to share that Northern Green will be transforming starting in January of 2024. Trade shows and events are evolving, and we are continuously striving to bring you the next best thing. The future is BRIGHT, and we’re excited for you to join us on this evolving adventure. We heard loud and clear from members and exhibitors that there was a desire to move the show out of Minneapolis following the tragic events of recent years. While we have enjoyed nearly 20 years at the Minneapolis Convention Center, evolution and growth often demand change...and so we're pleased to launch a new chapter of the Northern Green story in St. Paul, and in addition, showcase a new and interactive Northern Green October event that will be held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. We’ll be able to celebrate the season kick off and start to wrap up the year with a Northern Green experience on both ends! Northern Green becomes a year-round hub for all commu-

nities of the green industry, with the education, networking, and tools you need to grow your business and career. The indoor portion of the Northern Green will still take place January 23-25, 2024 with events at RiverCentre, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, as well as a variety of other event and restaurant locations close by in St. Paul. Finding your colleagues and making connections is at the center of the event’s design. So, we invite you to join us in the all-new Northern Green Villages – each community within the larger event will have education, product and service showcases, social events, and peer sharing designed specifically for the community’s needs. For example, are you a golf course superintendent who wants to connect with other superintendents? Are you a grounds manager who wants to meet with other grounds professionals? The goal is to provide an experience with tools and connections you can take back to your workplace to be even more effective. A new flexible subscription registration model will make it easy to register. We hope you’ll plan to join us for the next chapter of the Northern Green story in St. Paul in January and October 2024!

21!)(#$1%2'5,33+55555555-*440. 40 //4&4" 4

/,412+-KKKKK@7*(2>7KKKKK4>>,*4>0IFBEK+BI8=I?GGK@JJEK@B66AHJI F8K9HCCJGFD?

<JJK1?5CK@JJEK9H.DBIJKKKK @FEK/B?AHD3K 3JAAF5KD?=!K'JCDB;$3K<ABJ=I?GGK<AJCE )?DH"JK%I?GGK K&HAE8AF5JIK@JJEKKKK 7IFGHFCK>FCDIFAK0IFEB;DGKKK :JIDHAH JI >IJJ6HC=K<JCD=I?GGK@JJEKKKK :HCJK:JG;BJK@JJEKKKK >BGDF#K@JJEK9H.HC= 823=1.7'=29

%%%"5%41045+/22-"0') >C;D>AAD?<@C.6.B@@DCACDBB?: FALL 2023

Paul Kubista: pkubista@twincityseed.com 3,!.$,&4/53 1-+.$23541( Andy Keating: akeating@twincityseed.com *,&4/53#5%41045+/22-"0') 3*23541(#5%41045+/22-"0') James Wolfin: jwolfin@twincityseed.com MPSFMA NEWS 15

MANAGED TURF SOLUTIONS

ramyturf.com • 800-658-RAMY

It starts with the seed!

Since 1932, the Ramy family has provided the upper Midwest with some of the highest quality seed materials available anywhere and we always will. We are here as a partner, not just a supplier, because we know it’s your success that will allow our success.

Seed – Fertility – Chemistry – Erosion

Demo Day at Two Rivers High School Attracts 125 to Mendota Heights Robotic painting demos from four companies captured the interest of many attendees at the July 12 MPSFMA Demo Day at Two Rivers High School (formerly Henry Sibley High School) in Mendota Heights. More than 120 MPSFMA members and co-workers attended this free, 4-hour event hosted by Two Rivers H.S. certified sports field manager Matt Grosjean, CSFM, former president of MPSFMA. Current MPSFMA president Derek Hollanitsch was on hand to say a few words on behalf of the association to attendees and participating sponsors.

FALL 2023

The weather was cool and much better than the pouring rain just south of the Twin Cities. An outdoor lunch setting and barbecue was enjoyed by all. Thank you to MTI Distributing Inc. and Pioneer Athletics for helping MPSFMA sponsor the great lunch. Thanks to the following participating companies: Heritage PPG, MTI Distributing Inc., SiteOne Landscaping Supply, MSC, HLS Outdoor, Turf Tank, Minnesota Equipment, Eco Works Supply, Traqnology, Autmow, Tiny Mobile Robots and Pioneer Athletics.

MPSFMA NEWS 17

Midwest Groundcover express blower service now offering blown in natures plus tamarack engineered wood fiber.

blown in playground surfacing experts new playground installation • We offer removal of existing playground equipment, boarders and surfacing • installation of drainage sand & pea gravel • installation of drain tile & fabric barrier • blower truck installation of ipema certified engineered wood fiber, rubber mulch, sand & pea gravel playground surfacing

$250 OFF

top dressing services

only applies to new customers new playgrounds. $250 off full price. save up to 50% off playground company pricing.

engineered wood fiber, rubber mulch, sand & pea gravel.

We also offer top dressing

new playground wood fiber installation services. Including ipema certified discount for new installation playgrounds only. discount

we provide free onsite safety surfacing consulting & assessments in the metro area.

Contact Justin - 763-274-9829 midwestgroundcover@gmail.com www.midwestgroundcover.net

City of Robbinsdale Group Wins 4th Annual MPSFMA Golf Scramble at Royal Golf Club The 4th Annual MPSTMA Scramble will took place on July 26 at Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo. the shotgun start began at 9:00 am.

with a cost is $80 per person, which included green fee, cart, range balls, lunch and a sleeve of MPSFMA logo golf balls. The City of Robbinsdale, composed of Joe Ulrich, Andy Nauer, Matt Leonard and Ryan Parks who are pictured on the right. The foursome scrambled their way to an impressive 13-under par to win by three shots over a trio of other teams. Second place honors by shooting a 10-under par 62 went to Sam Bauer and Joel Chambers of Ramy Turf along with Andy Hopko and Adam Miller of Professional Turf & /Renovation.

The 2022 winning team of Jay Stadler, Carleton College; Mike McDonald, retired; Greg Brodd, Turfco Mfg., and Roger Weinbrenner, CSFM, MSC, fired an -11 to win the 2022 MPSFMA Golf Scramble. In 2021, the MTI foursome of Bob Frank, Larry Gorman, Tim Fleegle and Ryan Pannhoff won the event with an 11-under par 61. Make plans to participate in the 5th Annual MPSFMA Golf Tournament at the Arnold Palmer/Annika Sorenstam designed Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo in July/August 2024. Confirmed date soon.

FALL 2023

2023 MPSFMA GOLF SCRAMBLE CHAMPIONS FROM THE CITY OF ROBBINSDALE Pictured from left to right are:Joe Ulrich, Andy Nauer, Matt Leonard and Ryan Parks. The foursome shot a -13 under par 59 on the Arnold Palmer/Annika Sorenstam designed course.

2023 MPSFMA GOLF TOURNAMENT RESULTS PAR 72 | ROYAL GOLF CLUB | LAKE ELMO, MN | JULY 26 -13 -10 -9 -9 -8 -8 -7 -7 -6 -6 -6 -6 -5 -5 -5 -3 -3 -2 -1 E E E

Leonard, Ulrich, Parks, Nauer (City of Robbinsdale) S. Bauer, Chambers, Hopko, Miller (Ramy Turf & Professional Turf & Renovation) Vinkemeier, Zachmann, Clements, Balistrieri (City of EP, HLS Outdoor, Beacon Athletics) Olson, Lewison, Davidson, Kuzma (City of Rochester) Hollanitsch, Anecki, E. Bauer, Chhang (City of St. Paul) Gorman, Panoff, Frank, Keyes (MTI Distributing Inc.) O’Neill, Daniel, VanHelden, Makowski (Eco Works Supply) A. Johnson, Langager, Sidle, Larson (University of Minnesota, MNSU, Minnesota Vikings) Krey, Vick, Mezera, Redmann (Gertens, Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply, EC Grow) Brennan, Krensing, Crfouley, Evazich (City of Mendota Heights) Friederichs, Sticha, Aho, Bechel (HLS Outdoor, St. Patrick, Cokato, Andy’s Lawn Service) Hentges, Gustafson, Closson, Turtinen (Kromer Co., Field Turf, Northfield Schools) Young, Hendrickson, Nelson, VanSloun (SiteWorks Landscape Supply) Simmons, Pallas, Potvin, Ruzicka (Hunter Industries, Main Line Consulting) Blasy, Yunker, Hanson, Skusa (City of Bloomington) Miskimen, Rochel, Kumnmner, Roschen (City of Lakeville) McDonald, Lindstrom, Stadler, Weinbrenner (Carleton College, MSC) Windhorst, Hagberg, Kroska, K. Johnson (Snow Removal Group) Ferguson, Dietz, Plemel, Blasy (City of Bloomington) Hoag, Tullberg, Sullivan, Slattengren (City of Brooklyn Park) Wilz, Leeper, Farrell, Hannes (Heritage PPG, City of Buffalo, Waconia Schools) Griffin, Churchill, Maiers, Boeding (City of Woodbury, Reinders, Gustavus, MSC)

MPSFMA NEWS 19

TURFCO|MPSFMA FIELD OF THE YEAR APPLICATION CRITERIA + Located in the state of Minnesota. + Resourcefulness of staff, budget, maintenance practices, challenges in management of field. + Condition and aesthetics of the athletic field. + Number and type of games and/or events. + Previous recipients may re-apply if all requirements/applications are met. Information Requested (use additional sheet if necessary) + School, Park District or Agency owning this Field: + Name of Field / Complex: + Street Address: + Age of Field: + Type of Field (Baseball, Football, Soccer, Lacrosse, etc.): + Natural Grass or Synthetic Turf? + Size of Field in acres: + Overall Maintenance Acreage: + Annual Maintenance Budget for this Field: + Number of full time staff employed to maintain field: + Number of seasonal staff employed to maintain field: + What type of irrigation? __ Automatic __ Manual __ Both __ None + Does your field have sports lighting? + Type of equipment used to maintain your field: + Type of maintenance program you employ (fertilization, aeration, topdressing, seeding, etc.): + How many months or days of the year is your field used? + Number of games played on your field or throughout your facility: + Besides sports, what other type of events are held on your field? + What special maintenance challenges have you encountered? + Why do you think your field is one of the best? Signature: ____________________________________________ ___________ Date: ______________________ Note: Typing in Signature is accepted. I certify that the information on this form and in the accompanying entry is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that no material will be returned and may be used for publication and promotional purposes. Send completed entries and photos to: MPSFMA P.O. Box 617, Wayzata, MN 55391

20 MPSFMA NEWS

Or email to: jeff.turtinen@mpstma.org

FALL 2023

Play is the Beginning Of something wonderful, vibrant and unique. It teaches us and challenges us to be better. It connects us – to ourselves, each other and to our communities. With play as the beginning, anything is possible. Join Our Movement at funplaygrounds.com

Proud Representative of

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT APPLICATION Does Your Baseball/Softball/Soccer/Football Field or Playground Need to be Renovated? The Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association has the answers! We will select a field from entries submitted and provide the labor for the renovation project. Some materials will be donated or provided at a reduced cost. Volunteers from your organization will be needed to perform the renovation project as well as to care for the field after the renovations are complete.

POSSIBLE RENOVATION IDEAS + Seeding + Sodding + Topdressing + Aerifying + Mounds + Homeplate + Skinned Areas + Irrigation Repair + Grass Areas + Field Layout ENTER YOUR FIELD BY COMPLETING THE FORM BELOW

APPLICATION IS APRIL 15, 2023 ENTER DEADLINE A FIELD FOR 2024

Organization: _______________________________________________________________________ Name of Field: ______________________________________________________________________ Address of Field: ____________________________________________________________________ User groups (numbers, ages, sports) _____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ What do you want done to your field? ____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Why is the project needed? Safety issues? Field issues? _____________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Who will do the regular maintenance after completion? _______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ What is the window of time for renovation? ________________________________________________ What is the field's history? (age, maintenance, irrigation, uniqueness, etc.) _______________________ Contact info of person doing current maintenance: Field Maintenance Contact: ____________________________________________________________ CellPhone: ______________________________Email: _____________________________________ MPSTMA Member Sponsor (not mandatory for submission) _________________________________ E-MAIL photos to: jeff.turtinen@mpsfma.org or mail to: Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association P. O. Box 617, Wayzata, MN 55391 Call Mike McDonald CSFM at (612) 328-5812 with questions about this project.

22 MPSFMA NEWS

FALL 2023

THE MIDWEST'S PREMIER SUPPLIER OF EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR SPORTS FIELDS.

CONTACT YOUR BRANCH

REACH OUT TO A TEAM MEMBER TODAY! MICHAEL FRIEDERICHS

9300 75th Ave N Ste 200 Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 763.284.5020

JEFF LATTERELL CALEB LETOmichael.friederichs@hlsoutdoor.com jeff.latterell@hlsoutdoor.com caleb.leto@hlsoutdoor.com 612.791.4643 612.599.7397 JEFF LATERELL

2015 Silver Bell Rd Ste 110 Eagan, MN 55122 651.333.4425

NICK BALISTRIERI nick.balistrieri@hlsoutdoor.com CHAD REDMAN 651.279.5874 chad.redman@hlsoutdoor.com

jeff.laterell@hlsoutdoor.com

Become an HLS OUTDOOR customer! hlsoutdoor.com

P. O. Box 617 Wayzata, MN 55391

Show your support of MTGF’s mission to fund turf & grounds research and the continued operations at TROE Center by donating to the MTGF today! Name: _________________________________________________________________________ Company: ______________________________________________________________________ Donating in the name of: __________________________________________________________ Email Address: __________________________________________________________________

Donation amount: $ _________________ PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION & SEND CHECK TO: Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation, P. O. Box 617, Wayzata, MN 55391 or donate online at www.mtgf.org/donations