MPSFMA NEWS - SPRING 2024

Plymouth

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

Hudson Store

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

Reinders Field & Grounds Specialist 612-790-7333

jchurchill@reinders.com

Greetings all,

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

By Trenton Waters MPSFMA President Minnesota Twins Baseball Club

It’s been a great start to the year for MPSFMA. We had our Annual Meeting at Target Field, a great turnout for the US Bank Stadium Tour and a very successful Spring Workshop at the University of Northwestern in Roseville. We appreciate everyone and their continued support of the Association. I also want to thank everyone on the Board and Committees that help make this organization flourish. It takes a lot of extra time and commitment to put everything together and it doesn’t go unnoticed. I am grateful to be able to do this alongside a great group of people and very excited and optimistic about where this association is headed.

As our busy time and growing season is upon us, I just want to encourage everyone to use our resources and continue to help grow the association. Spread the word, get involved and ask questions. There is a lot of knowledge amongst this group, and we are all here to help each other to learn and grow every day.

Coming up we have U of M Field Day at the TROE Center on June 26th and Demo Day on July 10th at Two Rivers HS. Both are free to attend, and lunch will be provided. These are great opportunities to learn and network and I encourage everyone that can make it to do so.

The golf tournament is filling up, so get your groups together and sign up on the MPSFMA website. It will be at Oak Glen Golf Course this year in Stillwater on August 22nd.

I will have more information on the Community Service Project once I get it, but it is still in the works as of now.

Also remember to get your Field of the Year applications submitted. It’s always great to have a variety of fields to choose from. If you have applied before, apply again. You never know, maybe this year is the year your field comes out on top.

I hope everyone has a great spring 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.

I’ll leave you all with this quote from the great Lou Holtz: “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

Sincerely,

Trenton Waters

Trenton Waters President Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association

JUNE 26

UM FIELD DAY | PARK & SPORTS FIELDS

Troe Center | Falcon Heights

UM St. Paul Campus 9am - 12pm

JULY 10

DEMO DAY

Twin Rivers High School | Mendota Heights 9am - 1pm

AUGUST 22

MPSFMA GOLF SCRAMBLE

Oak Glen GC | Stillwater 7:30am - 2pm

SEPTEMBER

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT

OCTOBER 8

MTGF | MNLA OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW

Aldrich Arena & Surrounding Area | Maplewood 8am - 5pm

NOVEMBER 20

MPSFMA FALL WORKSHOP

Brackett’s Crossing CC | Lakeville 7am - 2pm

MPSFMA Tours US Bank Stadium

On March 9, more than 70 members gathered in Minneapolis to tour US Bank Stadium as new turf was being installed.

"We had a great turnout. Ed Kroics, Director of Operations at US Bank Stadium, was great and gave a lot of valuable information regarding the field replacement," said MPSFMA President Trent Waters, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club, and added "thanks again to the staff at US Bank Stadium for a great morning of networking and tours."

Attendees were able to go inside the Minnesota Vikings Football Club's locker room, tour various suites and visit places in the stadium not seen by the typical fan at a game. The US Bank Stadium tour was a free event for MPSFMA members to attend on March 9th.

Ed Kroics, Director of Operations at US Bank Stadium, addressed the MPSFMA attendees and talked about the field replacement taking place.

OUTDOORS

SAVE THE DATE: October 8, 2024

LOCATION: Aldrich Arena + Grounds, Maplewood

Northern Green is going outdoors on Oct. 8 at Aldrich Arena + Grounds in Maplewood. This event includes an outdoor trade show and interactive, hands-on education for your Northern Green Village!

The addition of an outdoor component to the Northern Green umbrella allows for more demonstrations, hands-on education and installations, and interactive experiences at the one-day event on October 8, 2024. Plus, suppliers will be able to feature outdoor equipment in its natural environment – test drive a mower, take a spin in that mini-excavator, or purchase a plow for the upcoming snow season. Featuring a large outdoor exhibit area and indoor exhibits, too. Lunch is included, and a happy hour event will close the day.

Big Crowd Gathers at UNWSP For a Vibrant Spring Workshop

The March 7 MPSFMA Spring Workshop was well attended as 234 made their way to the University of Northwestern | Saint Paul (UNWSP) along with 34 exhibitors.

The Spring Workshop is held annually at the UNWSP site. Once again, host Jeff Hintz, Director of Athletic Outside Facilities, along with UNWSP staff made the accommodations perfect for our size group and needs.

"Thank you for everyone's efforts in making our Spring Workshop the best one to date. I sensed a higher level of energy and excitement in the halls today. Great education, great exhibit participation, and so many general members sharing stories and ideas."

- Joe Churchill, Reinders, Inc.

University of Minnesota speakers Dr. Eric Watkins and Jon Trappe Ph.D., gave informative talks about turfgrass.

Derek Hollanitsch, City of St. Paul, presented his well-received "Situations Encountered in Parks & Rec." (Derek is pictured above right)

Ryan Schwab, Twin City Seed Company, informed the group about what we can expect in the Spring given the uncharacteristic winter we pleasantly endured.

Keynote Speaker Alan Roach gave an interesting talk about how seemingly small choices pave the way of one's future. Roach, who grew up in Minnesota near Brainerd, noted how one position or one person opened various doors along his path. Sometimes it was timing, sometimes it was patience but one thing always led to another to get him to where he is today - known as the best public address announcer in the world!

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

CARE

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.

+ Seeding + Sodding + Topdressing + Aerifying + Mounds + Homeplate + Skinned Areas + Irrigation Repair + Grass Areas + Field Layout

Address of 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: ____________________________________________________________

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 the green space you need with our extensive product availability, exceptional service, research-based solutions and data-driven insights. AMVAC • Aquatrols • Bayer • BASF • BioSafe BioWorks • Civitas • Control Solutions • Corteva Envu • FMC • Grigg • MGK • Nufarm • PBI Gordon ProPeat • Redox • Sepro • Syngenta

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.

MPSFMA Team Wins the 3rd Annual Green Industry Bowling Fundraiser Tournament in Arden Hills

The 3rd Annual MTGF/MNLA Foundation Fundraiserthe Green Industry Bowling Tournament was held at Flaherty's Bowl in Arden Hills on March 7. The 4th Annual Event will take place later this year on December 5. Event organizer Paulette Sorenson indicated that the event was successful enough to award a Turf Student at the University of Minnesota close to a $2,000 scholarship to Billy Honsa, a turf student at the University of Minnesota.

The winning team 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 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 Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association

are also Green Industry Professionals in Landscape & Hardscape Design & Install, Garden Services & Landscape Management, Garden Centers, Nursery & Greenhouse Growing, Irrigation & Water Management, and Arboriculture & Tree Services.

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.

The MTGF believes that knowledgeable, well trained Allied Association members, as well as other green industry professionals, contribute positively to the protection and enrichment of Minnesota's developed and natural landscapes utilizing environmentally sound maintenance practices, especially the application of fertilizers and pesticides, and selection and use of well-adapted, past resistant, noninvasive plant materials.

MNLA helps members operate businesses more successfully by providing education, networking, cost savings, marketing tools and industry insights; monitoring and influencing government affairs; promoting professionalism and collegiality; and responsibly improving and maintaining our environment.

Make plans to participate on December 5, 2024.

2024 Green Industry Bowling Champions from MPSFMA are, from the left, Jason Goehring, City of Plymouth; Ben Boeding CSFM, Minnesota Sodding Company; recently retired Mike McDonald CSFM, Derek Hollanitsch, City of St. Paul, and Herb Koch, Jr., Magic Turf. The fivesome captured the bowling championship at Flaherty Bowl in Arden Hills on March 7th.

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

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.

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:

+ 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

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.

show

Demo Day Set for July 10 at Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights

The MPSFMA will hold a Demo Day on Wed., July 10 at Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights. This is a free event and an opportunity to see and demo the latest and greatest that's being offered by MPSFMA vendors.

Robotic painting demos from four companies captured the interest of many attendees who attended last year's MPSFMA Demo Day at Two Rivers H.S. Last year, more than 120 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. For this year's Demo Day, vendors would like to know what you want to see and they will do their best to accommodate. Pre-registration is necessary for the barbecue lunch count.

ECO WORKS SUPPLY

Not Too Early to Plan Your Trip to Palm Springs

For the 36th Annual SFMA Conference Jan. 12-16

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Four Board Members Elected at Jan. 10 MPSFMA Annual Meeting at Target Field

The MPSFMA Annual Meeting attracted 65 members to Target Field on January 10. The Board of Directors election was finalized and Trenton Waters, Grounds Manager for the Minnesota Twins, steps up to the President's role for 2024. Last year's President Derek Hollanitsch will assume

the Past President's role on the Board. Marshall Syvertsen, City of Edina, was elected Vice-President.

Peter Maiers, Gustavus Adolphus College, was elected 2nd Vice President.

Paula Sliefert, The Toro Company, narrowly edged out Nick Wilz,

Covers That Make the Difference

Heritage PPG to take over the Commercial Member Representative position for out-going Board Member Nick Balistrieri, Beacon Athletics.

Luke Wittrock, University of Minnesota is a new General Member Representative who won the position in another very close race against Peter Braun, United FC, and Kyle Johnson, ISD 622. Paul Miskimen was the out-going General Member Representative.

Mark Kruse, CSFM, City of Lakeville was the victor over Miskimen for the MTGF Representative position. Sam Bauer was the out-going MTGF Representative but remains the President of the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF) for 2024.

Out-going Board Members were recognized and given an Minnesota-shaped acrylic gift for their service on the Board. A re-cap of 2023 and the MPSFMA schedule for 2024 were given by Hollanitsch and Waters.

Peter Braun was appointed as a General Membership Representative by President Trenton Waters to fill the vacancy of Syvertsen who was elected Vice President.

After the MPSFMA business was take care of and lunch was served, the Minnesota Twins Grounds Staff led by Larry DiVito, CSFM, held a question/ answer session that could of lasted hours.

However, MPSFMA had afternoon bowling plans at Park Tavern where about 35 members showed up.

Herb Koch, Magic Turf, was rolling the best frames!

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: _____________________________________

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.

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:

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 www.mpsfma.org