MPSFMA NEWS - FALL 2024

NEWS Volume 14, No. 3

Fall 2024

2024 Community Service Project Performed In St. Paul at the Dunning Sports Complex

Volunteers from the Minnesota Twins, Toro & MPSFMA Join Together to Take Four Fields to a Better Level Special Appearances by: Joe Mauer, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Rep. Samakab Hussein

MPSFMA ANNUAL MEETING SET JANUARY 8, 2025 AT THE TORO CO. HEADQUARTERS IN BLOOMINGTON

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

By Trenton Waters MPSFMA President Minnesota Twins Baseball Club

2024 NOVEMBER 20 MPSFMA FALL WORKSHOP Brackett’s Crossing CC | Lakeville Register at www.mpsfma.org

Greetings all,

2025

What a year it has been! We started off with all that rain and now it’s been hard to come by. It’s been a great fall weather wise for projects and getting caught up on things that maybe got pushed back from the wet spring/early part of summer.

It has been a busy year for the MPSFMA. We had our annual meeting at Target Field, a tour of US Bank Stadium, a very successful spring workshop at the University of Northwestern in Roseville, UMN Field Day, Demo Day at Two Rivers HS, golf at Oak Glen and most recently a very successful CSP that we joined in on with Toro and the Minnesota Twins at Dunning Sports Complex in St. Paul. We appreciate everyone and their continued support of the Association. We wouldn’t be where we are today without you and all your support.

As our growing season starts to dwindle, I just want to remind everyone how important it is to stay involved with associations and communities, especially in times where budgets might be tight, or you might be short staffed. Do not be afraid to apply for a Community Service Project, Field of the Year, Scholarships, Grants or Awards.

These are great ways to get a registration paid for, a field fixed up for little to no cost or maybe just a little recognition for yourself or your workplace. If you have any questions about what we have to offer, please visit our website MPSFMA.org or reach out to myself, a board member, or a committee member.

We want to help make a great industry even greater.

Coming up we have the much-anticipated Fall Workshop at Brackett’s Crossing CC in Lakeville on November 20th. We have a great lineup of speakers including our Keynote Dick Bremer. More info and registration are available on the MPSFMA website. This will be a great opportunity to network and catch-up with everyone after our busy growing season.

I wish everyone a great fall/winter season. Keep checking our calendar for any updates and feel free to reach out to myself or any board/committee members with any questions or concerns.

As always, I like to end these messages with a quote. This one is short and sweet from Mr. Ted Lasso. “Be curious, not judgmental.”

When we lead with judgment, we risk missing out on details that could change how we perceive someone or a situation. When we're curious and open to understanding others, we can build trust and connection. Judgment seeks to respond, while curiosity seeks to understand.

JANUARY 13-16 SFMA CONFERENCE PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA Register at www.sfma.org JANUARY 23-36 NORTHERN GREEN SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA Register at www.northerngreen.org MARCH 8 MPSFMA SPRING WORKSHOP UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN | ST. PAUL Register at www.mpsfma.org

ABOUT THE COVER Pictured on the cover from left to right: Joe Churchill, Reinders Inc.; St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter; Hall of Fame Baseball Player Joe Mauer; MPSFMA Past President Derek Hollanitsch; MPSFMA President Trent Waters, Minnesota Twins; MPSFMA Board Member Peter Braun, Minnesota United, and former MPSFMA President and a co-founder of the original (MSTMA) association, Mike McDonald, CSFM.

LEADING CHOICE IN MINNESOTA

Trent Waters Trent Waters President Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association

FALL 2024

AT THE SURFACE OF HUNDREDS OF MINNESOTA SPORTS PROGRAMS

PROUD SUPPORTER

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MPSFMA NEWS 3

The Magic’s in the Details!

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Turfgrass Maintenance

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

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

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LONG TIME TWINS TV VOICE DICK BREMER TO KEYNOTE

FALL WORKSHOP SET NOVEMBER 20 AT BRACKETT’S CROSSING IN LAKEVILLE MPSFMA members and co-workers are encouraged to register for the MPSFMA Fall Workshop set for November 20th. Great topics and great speakers headline the annual fall event (see Agenda below.)

Keynoting the Workshop is Dick Bremer, pictured on the right, the longtime TV voice of the Minnesota Twins who will share stories and answer questions. In the afternoon, experts from the University of Minnesota Plant Pathology Department will use actual trees at Brackett's Crossing Country Club for a pruning demonstration.

7:00 am Registration, Networking & Vendor Time Pastries & Coffee Available 8:00 am Welcome and Announcements MPSFMA President Trent Waters Minnesota Twins Baseball Club 8:15 am Main Room Brad Jakubowski (Penn State University) “The Million Gallon Challenge” Pearl Room -Matt Duncan (DLF Pickseed) “Avoid Planting Tomorrow’s Problems Today” 9:15 am Main Room Brad Jakubowski (Penn State University) “Extreme Weather Influences - On and Off the Field” Pearl Room - Nolan Bangert & Jeff Drake (The Toro Company) “Electrification Journey - The Battery-Powered Ecosystem for Lawn and Landscape Professionals” 10:15 am - Networking & Vendor Time 11:00 am Italian Pasta Lunch Buffet 12:00 pm Keynote Speaker: Dick Bremer Longtime TV Voice of the Minnesota Twins 1:00 pm - Roundtable "What Does Winning Look Like at Your Facility?"

Sharing stories of success and how you promote your departments wins with colleagues and others.

Pruning Trees from UMN Experts Outdoor demonstration on live trees at Brackett's Crossing CC.

FALL 2024

MPSFMA NEWS 5

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MPSFMA Partners with the Twins & Toro for this Year’s Community Service Project The CSP this year was performed on September 5th at Dunning Sports complex in St. Paul. Twenty-one MPSFMA members teamed with volunteers and representatives from the Twins and The Toro Company and performed a variety of work including measuring of bases and aerification on the Dunning East, West and South softball fields along with Jim Kelly and Billy Peterson little league fields and mound modification on the Toni Stone Field.

Billy Peterson Field was the focal point. There wasa lot to do as far as skilled labor and that's where the MPSFMA members stepped to the plate. The MPSFMA worked alongside the Twins, Toro and the City of St. Paul for this project achieving the goal of making these already great fields even greater.

Only one other city in the country is home to four MLB Hall of Famers and one of them, Joe Mauer, showed up to show his appreciation of the efforts of more than 60 people at the St. Paul site. Also on hand were Melvin Carter, the Mayor of Saint Paul and Minnesota House Representative Rep. Samakab Hussein who also used the area growing up near the complex.

This was a great opportunity to help make the complex that Joe Mauer, Dave Winfield, Jack Morris and Paul Molitor played on even better than it already was. Special

thanks to Toro's Liz Ramirez and Marnie Wells for their efforts in making this eventful day possible.

The scope of the work was: Dunning Softball Fields: Reset the base anchors, HP and Mike McDonald, CSFM, TC and Larry DiVito.

Pitching Rubbers (3 Fields) and aerated the outfield grass.

Jim Kelly Field: Revamped the bullpens and new plates and rubbers, painted wooden bleachers, installed UnderGuard along the fence lines and aerated the outfield grass.

Billy Peterson Field: Added ag lime and regraded; aerated the infield and outfield; edged; lightly topdressed and overseeded infield grass; sodded around the mound; did a mound re-do with ag lime and new pitching rubber; added a new HP; revamped the bullpens and added a new rubber and plate; added a retaining wall behind the dugout; cleaned up garden areas and re mulched and added Under Guard under all the fencing.

MPSFMA VOLUNTEERS: Marshall Syvertsen, City of Edina Jason Goehring, City of Plymouth Brian Swartzer, City of Plymouth Jesse Belaire,City of Plymouth Derek Hollanitsch, City of Saint Paul Thomas Kuefler, City of Woodbury Andy Osendorf , City of Woodbury Lauren Busta, City of Woodbury Matt Erickson, City of Woodbury Nick Wilz, Heritage PPG Kevin Leeper, Heritage PPG Michael Friederichs, HLS Outdoors Trent Waters, Minnesota Twins Larry DiVito CSFM, Minnesota Twins Peter Braun, Minnesota United FC Kyle Larson, Minnesota Vikings Mike McDonald CSFM, MPSFMA Jeff Turtinen, MPSFMA Roger Weinbrenner CSFM, MSC Nick Balisterieri, MSC Tom O'Hern, Pioneer Athletics Joe Churchill, Reinders Inc. Ben Boeding CSFM, Reinders Inc. Mike Zwisler, The Tessman Company Phil Glazebrook, The Tessman Company Luke Wittrock, University of Minnesota Ben Johnson, Van Wall Equipment FALL 2024

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Landscape • Greenhouse • Lawn Care • Turf • Winter Equipment MPSFMA NEWS 7

Consider a Career in Sports Field Management Managing sports fields as a career is a rewarding and significant occupation. Join a profession that is growing and will endure as long as there are sports!

This is an ideal career if you: (just be interested in one or more of the following and you are a solid fit for this profession!) s Enjoy the outdoors s Are involved in sports and want to stay involved s Consider yourself a sports fan s Want to use emerging technology such as drones, GPS, robotic equipment, and hi-tech turf apps s Care about protecting the environment s Interested in the art and science of creating and main-

taining beautiful and safe fields for athletes s High School, Vo-Tech or University education programs in agriculture, landscaping design or maintenance How to Pursue s Traditional education s Attend a 2-year or 4-year collegiate program majoring in turfgrass management s Non-traditional: s Take SFMA 101 on-line FREE Certificate Course (just need to be a student member at $30). Go to sportsfieldmanagement.org. Students have one year to complete the course; some students finish it in one week! Each student who completes the course will receive a certificate of course completion. Achieving the certificate will prepare you to start a career at a sports field. s Local College or University online Certification in Sports Field Management . s Online Certification at non-local College or University. s Apprentice at a sports field.

Job Outlook There are more than 50 million acres of turfgrass in the United States, and the green industry is projected to be a $147 billion dollar industry. The environmental horticulture industry, which includes the turfgrass industry, is one of the fastest growing segments of the nation’s agricultural economy with an estimated 1,964,339 jobs. It is estimated that there are more than 1 million sports fields in the United States. With more than 300 professional facilities, 3,500 colleges & universities, 7,800 parks and recreation districts, and 20,000+ school districts, jobs in the sports field management profession are abundant.

Salary The average starting salary for a first assistant is $44,000.

MPSFMA The Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association is an affiliated chapter of the national professional association, Sports Field Management Association (SFMA).

Its more than 2,700 members oversee facilities at schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities, and professional sports stadiums. Sports include football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, rugby and horse racing.

SportsfieldManagement.org; @FieldExperts

8 MPSFMA NEWS

SPRING 2024

L AW N C A R E + S P O RT S T U R F

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY. FOR PROFESSIONAL RESULTS. 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 DEADLINE IS APRIL 15, 2023

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? _____________________________________ Whether a rough-and-tumble pro football field or high-use municipal fields, we know __________________________________________________________________________________ you need it green, pristine and resilient. Our experienced sales team can help you achieve green space youafter need with our extensive product availability, exceptional Who will do the the regular maintenance completion? _______________________________________ service, research-based solutions and data-driven insights. __________________________________________________________________________________ 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: ____________________________________________________________ CONTACT YOUR HERITAGE PPG REP TO AMVAC • Aquatrols • Bayer • BASF • BioSafe SEE HOW WE CAN DELIVER FOR YOU. CellPhone: ______________________________Email: _____________________________________ BioWorks • Civitas • Control Solutions • Corteva Nick Wilz Envu • FMC • Grigg • MGK • Nufarm • PBI Gordon MPSTMA Member Sponsor (not mandatory for submission) _________________________________ 612.719.7680 ProPeat • Redox • Sepro • Syngenta nick.wilz@heritageppg.com 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.

MPSFMA SET TO DEFEND TITLE IN ARDEN HILLS

GREEN INDUSTRY BOWLING FUNDRAISER SET FOR DECEMBER 5 AT FLAHERTY LANES The 4th Annual MTGF/MNLA Green Industry Bowling Fundraiser will take place at Flaherty's Bowl in Arden Hills on December 5. Event organizer Paulette Sorenson indicated that three previous events have been successful enough to award Green Industry Students scholarship money.

The winning team earlier in 2024 was captained

by Mike McDonald, CSFM, who has been on the winning team for this event for the third year in a row. McDonald rolled a 223\238 for individual honors.2024 Green Industry Bowling Champions from MPSFMA are, from the left, Jason Goehring, City of Plymouth; Ben Boeding CSFM, Minnesota Sodding Company; Mike McDonald CSFM, MPSFMA Social Chairman, who rolled a 223 | 238 to win low individual honors; Derek Hollanitsch, City of St. Paul, and Herb Koch, Jr., Magic Turf. The fivesome captured the championship at Flaherty Bowl in Arden Hills on March 7.

The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF) is a group of Green Industry professionals belonging to one of MTGF’s Allied Associations: Minnesota Association of Cemeteries (MAC), Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association (MPSFMA), Minnesota Turf

10 MPSFMA NEWS

Association (MTA), Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association (MGCSA), Minnesota Society of Arboriculture (MSA), Minnesota Facility Management Professionals (MASMS), Minnesota Turf Seed Council (MTSC) and the University of Minnesota. The MTGF Allied Associations are committed to providing safe, attractive and functional landscape and recreational areas that enhance Minnesota's quality of life in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The MTGF is committed to supporting research, education and outreach programs, particularly those of the University of Minnesota, dedicated to creating, maintaining and enriching the careers of Minnesota's green industry professionals.

The MTGF is also committed to the education and training of Allied Association members as well as other green industry professionals that contribute positively to Minnesota's economy and quality of life through well managed green spaces and water resources, safe and functional recreation areas, preservation of natural habitats of both plant and animals, and increased opportunities for interesting and diverse tourism venues.

Make plans to participate on December 5, 2024.

FALL 2024

Support the MTGF in Its Mission to Help Fund Green Industry Research and Youth Engagement!

Turf and grounds professionals in Minnesota and beyond have benefited greatly from innovative research funded by the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation.

Since 2001, we have donated over $1.75 million to the University of Minnesota (this is over $88,000 per year!). This funding has helped build strong applied research programs focused on turf and landscape management. The ongoing support from the MTGF has given these research programs a foundation from which to seek larger grants that generate new approaches to landscape management that help sustain our industry. Unfortunately, this past year has created a challenge for the MTGF as our primary revenue sources, Northern Green, which is a joint effort between MTGF and the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association, was not

held in person and therefore did not generate sufficient income from which to make our annual donations for research.

To continue our important role in support of turf and grounds research, we are asking for donations from individual MTGF members. In a normal year, you would’ve contributed to our efforts by attending the Northern Green, where you would have learned from leading horticultural educators, visited with vendors on the impressive trade show floor, and networked with your fellow green industry professionals. This year, you can have a positive impact by making a donation to help the MTGF continue our mission of funding research, outreach, and education for the turf and grounds professionals.

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We hope you see this as an investment, one that will bring great returns in the form of new knowledge, more sustainable practices, and forward-looking approaches to maintain green spaces.If you are a member of one of seven allied associations, you automatically are considered member of the MTGF. MTGF has no membership fees associated with being a member or vendor member. However, you receive the full benefits through the mission of the MTGF. The MTGF Board is made up of two individuals from each of the seven allied associations plus two vendor members. The seven MTGF allied associations are:

s Bee Lawn Seed Mixture s Sod Quality (yellow tag) Kentucky Bluegrass Blend s Native Grass & Wildflower Seed s Erosion Control Products s Fertilizer s Creeping Bentgrass Seed s Fine Fescue Seed s Custom Seed Mixing

+ Minnesota Association of Cemeteries + Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals + Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents' Association + Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association + Minnesota Society of Arboriculture + Minnesota Sod Producers + Minnesota Turf Seed Council

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www.twincityseed.com 12 MPSFMA NEWS

Funding provided by the MTGF through your participation has been able to leverage millions of more dollars for turf and grounds research. The ramification was felt when the MTGF had to decide to put a hold on research grant funding for 2021 in hopes that we can return to normal in time for the 2022 funding season. Your attendance at the 2024 Northern Green helps is key. The Green Industry as a whole has been rewarded year after year through the research dollars granted by the MTGF and we are now asking for extra help to be able to continue this same success.

Please visit the MTGF website (www.mtgf.org/donations) where you can find additional information on how you can donate to additional turf and grounds research.

FALL 2024

Natural | Red | Dark Brown | Black | Gold Western Red Cedar | Playground Mulch

FALL 2024

MPSFMA NEWS 13

Drones & Robotic Painting Highlighted Demo Day at Two Rivers High School

MPSFMA Demo Day took place on July 10 at Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights. This was an opportunity to see and demo the latest and greatest that's being offered by MPSFMA vendors. Drones and Robotic painting demos once again captured the interest of many attendees. More than 150 MPSFMA members and co-workers attended the free, 4-hour event hosted by Two Rivers H.S. certified sports field manager Matt Grosjean, CSFM, former president of MPSFMA. A barbecue lunch was served and sponsored by MTI Distributing Inc., Pioneer Athletics and the Kromer Co.

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

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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

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14 MPSFMA NEWS

FALL 2024

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Call us today to learn how Ventrac's Ballpark Renovator and Groomer can help you achieve that perfect finish!

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Still Time to Plan Your Trip to Palm Springs For the Annual SFMA Conference Jan. 13-16 Nestled amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the California desert, Palm Springs stands as an iconic destination blending natural beauty with vibrant culture. As we gear up for the 36th Annual Conference and Exhibition, we want our members to know that they are in for an unforgettable experience beyond just the conference halls. Here’s a curated guide to the highlights awaiting in Palm Springs.

Indian Canyons: Discover the serene beauty of Indian Canyons with its lush palm oases, trickling streams, and ancient rock art. Take a guided hike or horseback ride through this sacred land.

Culinary Delights Palm Springs VillageFest: Dive into the local culinary scene at this vibrant street fair held every Thursday night.

Sample gourmet treats from food trucks, savor fresh produce from farmers’ markets, and explore artisanal crafts.

Farm-to-Table Dining: Palm Springs boasts a culinary scene that celebrates fresh, local ingredients.

From upscale eateries to cozy cafes, indulge in farm-to-table fare crafted with California flair.

Date Shakes: Don’t miss out on this desert delicacy! Treat yourself to a creamy date shake made from locally

Explore Nature Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Ascend to new heights aboard the world’s largest rotating tramcar. Take in panoramic views of Chino Canyon and Mount San Jacinto State Park.

Joshua Tree National Park: Immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscape of twisted Joshua trees and rugged rock formations. Whether it’s hiking, rock climbing, or stargazing, this park offers endless adventures.

grown dates—a sweet indulgence unique to the region.

Experience Cultural Charms Palm Springs Art Museum: Dive into the rich tapestry of art and culture at this renowned museum. Explore exhibits ranging from contemporary art to Native American artifacts, and be inspired by the diverse perspectives.

Architecture Tours: Embark on a journey through Palm Springs’ architectural heritage, known for its midcentury modern marvels. From sleek structures to sprawling estates, discover the allure of desert design.

Village of Palm Springs: Stroll through the heart of downtown Palm Springs and soak in its vibrant atmosphere. Explore chic boutiques, art galleries, and eclectic shops, or simply unwind with a leisurely coffee at a sidewalk cafe.

Relax and Recharge

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Spa Escapes: Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa retreat amidst the desert oasis. Indulge in luxurious treatments inspired by ancient wellness traditions, and unwind in tranquil settings surrounded by natural beauty.

Golfing Paradise Tee off against a backdrop of majestic mountains and sun-drenched fairways. With over 100 golf courses in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs offers a golfer’s paradise.

Poolside Bliss: Bask in the warm desert sun and take a refreshing dip in a sparkling pool. Whether it’s a luxurious resort pool or a serene private oasis, savor the laid-back lifestyle synonymous with Palm Springs.

While Palm Springs offers an array of enticing distractions, don’t forget to make the most of the 36th Annual Conference and Exhibition. Engage in enriching sessions, network with industry peers, and discover the latest innovations in the world of sports field management.

FALL 2024

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Want to Become More Involved with MPSFMA? Run for a Seat on the Board!

The MPSFMA Annual Meeting and Board of Directors Election will take place on January 8, 2025 at The Toro Co. headquarters in Bloomington, MN. The meeting will begin at 10:00 am and last for an hour. At 11:00 am, Toro representatives will form a panel and

offer information about the company and answer any questions. Lunch will be served at noon. An optional tour of Toro will begin at 1:00.

To register for the Annual Meeting, go to www.mpsfma.org Do you want to become more invol

ved with the MPSFMA? Now may be the time to consider running for the MPSFMA Board of Directors. The MPSFMA currently has three spots opening up as 2-year terms end. The 2-year term positions opening up are: General Member Representative, Commercial Member Representative, and MTGF Representative.

Contact the MPSFMA office or any current Board Member if you would like to be on the 2025 ballot. Candidates will be finalized by December 1.

The current Board of Directors are: President

Trent Waters Minnesota Twins Vice President

Marshall Syvertsen City of Edina 2nd Vice President

Peter Maiers Gustavus Adolfus College Past President

Derek Hollanitsch City of St. Paul Treasurer

Roger Weinbrenner, CSFM Minnesota Sodding Company General Member Representative

Luke Wittrock University of Minnesota General Member Representative

Peter Braun Minnesota United Commercial Member Representative

Paula Sliefert The Toro Company Commercial Member Representative

Mike Zwisler The Tessman Company MTGF Representative

Mark Kruse, CSFM City of Lakeville MTGF Representative

Marcus Campbell St. Paul Saints Baseball Club

18 MPSFMA NEWS

FALL 2024

ORDER EARLY PAY LATER SPORTS FIELDS EARLY ORDER PROGRAM

SEPT 1 - FEB 15, 2025 At SiteOne®, we have all the sports fields maintenance products you need to create a Home Turf Advantage in 2025. And if you stock up on game-changing products between Sept 1st and Feb 15th, 2025, you can take advantage of Early Buy Discounts and Extended Payment Terms.

Scan the code or visit SiteOne.com/EOP for a complete list of offers, dates & terms

PLUS GET

2X POINTS on eligible

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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 DEADLINE IS JUNE 1, 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.

20 MPSFMA NEWS

FALL 2024

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

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top dressing services We also offer top dressing

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

contact us today for your free estimate

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

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

TURFCO|MPSFMA FIELD OF THE YEAR APPLICATION CRITERIA + Active Member of MPSFMA + 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 Or email to: jeff.turtinen@mpsfma.org

22 MPSFMA NEWS

www.mpsfma.org

FALL 2024

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

© BCI Burke Company 2023

NORTHERN GREEN 2025

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 1

Our venue is the Saint Paul RiverCentre and the Roy Wilkins Auditorium & Exhibit Hall (175 West Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102). There are many options for parking and dining nearby.

The most convenient parking is in the RiverCentre Parking Ramp on 150 West Kellogg Blvd. This ramp is located directly across the street from Saint Paul RiverCentre and is connected via skyway.

There are many other parking options as well, indicated on the map below with a blue box:

P

= Skyway = Tunnel

2

Access into the RiverCentre is: C

A From the Parking Ramp Skyway B Along the street level of Kellogg Ave.

C From the Rice Park entrance

(between the Ordway and Herbie’s on the Park)

Signs will point you to

REGISTRATION to pick up your badge and begin your day!

REGISTRATION

A B

B

Kellogg Boulevard

3

The Saint Paul RiverCentre is a cashless venue. Please plan accordingly if you need to purchase food or beverage.

B

JANUARY 21—23, 2025 Saint Paul RiverCentre

W W W. NORT H ER NG R E E N.ORG | I N F O @NORT H E R NGR E E N.ORG | 6 51- 6 3 3-498 7

M O N D A Y Pre-Conference Sessions: PLT Relicensure and Pesticide Recerti昀cation will be available on Monday, January 20 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre.

TUESDAY, JAN. 21 Community day for these Villages with a full day of focused education.

From trends to business strategies, 昀nd everything you need to thrive!

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22 Dedicated trade show day!

THURSDAY, JAN. 23 Community day for these Villages with a full day of focused education, plus the trade show will be open in the morning!

Water/ Irrigation

Golf

Landscape/ Hardscape Contractor

Management Path

TRADE SHOW

BLOCK PARTY

9:00am-3:30pm

Turf, Grounds, & Snow Management

3:30pm-5:30pm

Tree Care/ Arborist

Garden Center/ Grower

Landscape Design/Landscape Architecture

Professional Gardening Services

Management Path

TRADE SHOW 9:00am-12:00pm

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS NORTHERN GREEN 2025 SUPPORTERS:

Repeat Golf Champions from the City of Robbinsdale, from the left are: Andy Nauer, Joe Ulrich, Matt Leonard and Jack Scherber. The foursome shot 11-under to be the low MPSFMA team in the 4th annual MPSFMA golf tournament which took place at Oak Glen GC in Stillwater on August 22.

PRE-REGISTER TODAY AND $AVE! 1

Register on or before January 13 to receive your best price for all Northern Green 2025 tickets. Go to www.NorthernGreen.org and click on REGISTER NOW today!

2

Members of the following associations receive a $20 discount: MNLA, MGCSA, MPSFMA, MAC, MASMS, MSA, MTA, and MTSC.

3

Save 10% more when registering 10 or more people for a 1-Day educational pass or greater! Not valid for Student or Trade Show Only passes. Valid only for

2025 Northern Green registration badges generously supported by:

pre-registration completed online with all registrants entered in one registration.

NORTHERN GREEN

Worried about a snow event on a show date? We’ve got you covered with our “Snow Insurance” Rate Lock! Pay $30 now and lock in the pre-registration rate for your onsite registration! Offer only available for Northern Green on Tuesday & Thursday,

must be purchased during pre-registration dates. Choice of registration must still be RATE LOCK and selected. If ticket holder cannot attend show, the $30 payment is non-refundable.

Missed the deadline? If you miss the Jan. 13 pre-reg. deadline, you must register onsite Jan. 21-23, and pay the onsite rates.

Pre-conference? To attend Monday’s pre-conference sessions (PLT or Pest. Recert.) you MUST pre-register before Jan. 13.

Where do I pick up my badge? When you register by January 3, your badge will be mailed to you in advance.

If you register between January 4-13, you must print a badge at the Self-Check-In kiosk onsite.

Other questions? Contact the Northern Green o ce for assistance at 651-633-4987.

FALL 2024

MPSFMA NEWS 27

Covers That Make the Difference Our lightweight EVERGREEN™Turf Covers produce a greenhouse type effect that allows your turf to breathe and retain the right amount of heat and moisture.

MASTER BRANDING

RAINCOVERS, from our supreme lightweight ones right to the classic vinyl types, there are models and accessories to meet your specific needs.

FOOTBALL FIELD COVERS are made of superior strength material, providing protection from rain or snow.

TARPMATE™ AIR roller is a revolutionary storage and handling system for field covers. 2-3 people can roll out or roll up a 100’ wide cover.

An INFLATABLE FIELD COVER allows for ongoing field maintenance during inclement and extreme cold weather.

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1-800-387-5808 Tel: +1-416-745-1811 • Fax: +1-416-742-6837 www.covermaster.com • info@covermaster.com