By Trenton Waters MPSFMA President Minnesota Twins Baseball Club
Dear MPSFMA Members:
It is both an honor and a privilege to address you as President of this remarkable association. As we reflect on the strides we’ve made over the past year, I am filled with gratitude for your dedication, passion, and unwavering support. Together, we have not only achieved great milestones but also laid the foundation for even greater accomplishments in the future.
Our shared vision has driven us to push boundaries, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change in our field. The strength of our community lies in the collective efforts of each member, and I am continually inspired by the creativity, collaboration, and commitment that you bring to the table.
Looking ahead, we have an incredible lineup of events and initiatives that will help us grow as professionals and strengthen the connections within our vibrant community.
One of the most anticipated events on our calendar are our Spring and Fall Workshops. These workshops provide an excellent opportunity to deepen our knowledge, exchange ideas, and gain hands-on experience with the latest trends and technologies in park and sports field management. Whether you’re seeking new insights or honing your skills, these workshops are essential for staying ahead in our field.
Our UMN Field Day is another event you won’t want to miss. We’ll explore the University of Minnesota, dive into best practices, and learn from experts in the industry. It’s always a great day for networking and professional development, as well as a chance to see innovative approaches in action.
We’re also excited to announce our annual MPSFMA Golf Tournament will be held at Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater on August 21st. This is a favorite among many of our members. This event is not only a fantastic opportunity to relax and enjoy some friendly competition but also a chance to build relationships and support the mission of MPSFMA. We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the day and make lasting connections with fellow professionals.
In addition to our professional development events, we’re proud to highlight our Community Service Project with the support of Toro and the Minnesota Twins. This year, we’ll come together to give back to our local communities by working on a hands-on project that improves our parks and recreational spaces. It’s a wonderful way to make a tangible difference while strengthening our bonds as an association.
These events, and so much more, are a testament to the passion, dedication, and collaborative spirit that defines MPSFMA. I encourage each of you to take full advantage of these opportunities to learn, connect, and give back. We are presented with exciting opportunities to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Let us continue to work together to build on the legacy we have created and make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we will continue to advance the field of parks and sports field management and ensure our spaces are well-maintained and accessible for all.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to MPSFMA. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
With appreciation and optimism,
Trent Waters
Trent Waters President Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association
2025
JANUARY 21-23
NORTHERN GREEN SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
MARCH 6
MPSFMA SPRING WORKSHOP
U OF NORTHWESTERN | ST. PAUL ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA
JUNE 25
MPSFMA | UMN FIELD DAY TROE CENTER FALCON HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 21
MPSFMA GOLF TOURNAMENT OAK GLEN GOLF COURSE STILLWATER, MINNESOTA
OCTOBER
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT (Site and Date to be determined)
OCTOBER 7
NORTHERN GREEN OUTDOORS ALDRICH ARENA MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA
NOVEMBER 19
MPSFMA FALL WORKSHOP
BRACKETT’S CROSSING C.C. LAKEVILLE, MINNESOTA
DECEMBER 4
GREEN INDUSTRY BOWLING fUNDRAISER
FLAHERTYS ARDEN BOWL ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
MPSFMA SPONSOR LISTINGS
AMINORGANIX
AminOrganix provides the fastest acting, safest and longest lasting amino acid-based natural granular and liquid fertilizers available today for sports turf and golf. AminOrganix fertilizers contain no manures or fillers. Instead, they are formulated with only FDA feed-grade ingredients including amino acids, multiple protein sources and carbohydrates that stimulate bacteria, mycorrhizae and other beneficial soil microbes for improved soil and plant health. AminOrganix fertilizers feed up to 150 days and increase root mass and depth reducing water use and grass stress.
Berg Turf is owned and operated by an SFMA Certified Sports Field Manager with a focus on infield renovation/laser grading, aeration, topdressing and seeding services. With a depth of knowledge and experience on many aspects of infield construction, Berg Turf offers services from edging to amending infield skin profiles to laser grading. Aeration services include subsurface air injection with an Air2G2 aerator or linear decompaction with an Imants Shockwave, both of which cause minimal surface disruption for immediate return to play. For interseeding and new seeding projects the Vredo line of seeder is used. It’s ground driven slicing design allows for extremely accurate seeding rates at a quick pace while consistently resulting in some of the best germination rates in the industry.
Steve Berg
507-577-9423
steve@bergturf.com twitter: @BergTurf
BRYAN ROCK PRODUCTS
Based in Shakopee, Minnesota, family owned and operated Bryan Rock has provided quality limestone products for contractors, government agencies, asphalt production and ready mix concrete operations since 1941. We operate several limestone quarries that provide our clients with aggregate to Minnesota and the Midwest, but we're also the leading producer of ball diamond aggregate Nationwide.
Eric Bryan
952-239-8854
ericb@bryanrock.com www.bryanrock.com
BOLTON & MENK INC.
Community infrastructure solutions. We believe all people should live in safe, sustainable, and beautiful communities. We take pride in our ability to provide technical planning, urban design, and engineering solutions to make that happen.
Jay Pomeroy
763-544-7129
jpomeroy@bolton-menk.com www.ajainc.net
CUSHMAN MOTOR COMPANY, INC.
Cushman Motor Company is an independent family owed business. We’ve been supplying our customers with vehicles, tractors and other types of equipment. We’ve evolved into a multi-faceted supplier of industrial grade equipment to customers throughout the Midwest. Cushman Motor Company is an authorized distributor of 4X4 tractors manufactured by Ventrac, Steiner and Holder companies. We sell Cushman, Columbia, Vantage and Westward brand vehicles along with Ryan, Billy Goat and Fleet grounds care products.
We are commited to offer top quality products including but are not limited to the following: Porta Flex portable fencing, sports nets & custom netting from Carron Nets and Douglas, Bolco, Hollywood, Magnetic Safety bases, maintenance supplies, Diamond Dry, Dugout Covers, benches, and portable pitching mounds from Portolite and True Pitch. We want to be your source for all Athletic Field and Court Supplies.
Matt Mangulis
507-339-5004
matt@dhalthletics.com www.dhathletics.com
EC GROW
Serving the Midwest with plant nutrients to maintain healthy turfgrass & ice melt for a safe and manageable winter season. We strive to ensure the products we produce meet or exceed established standards by clearly defining expectations and holding each other accountable. We believe customer relationships are critical to our success and that maintaining the highest ethical and moral standards is paramount in cultivating those relationships.
Nate Mezera
608-306-0052
nmezera@ecgrow.com www.ecgrowproturf.com
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
ECO WORKS SUPPLY
Eco Works Supply (EWS) is a regional distribution company that operates in Minnesota, Arizona and Florida. We supply the turf industry with liquid and granular fertilizers, mostly organic based. We also have a line of traditional granular fertilizer and are capable of custom blending granular fertilizer to specific requirements. Also providing soil testing services, and crew and event clothing. We believe in giving back to the industry we serve and are sponsors and active members of the MTGF, MPSFMA, MGCSA, GCSAA, MPGCMA, and Cactus and Pine GCSA.
Doug Daniel 612-868-9615 doug@ecoworkssupply.com
Jim O’Neill 612-710-1718 jim@ecoworkssupply.com
Geoff Jordan 218-213-2390 geoff@ecoworkssupply.com
Darin Van Helden 612-201-0661 darin@ecoworkssupply.com www.ecoworkssupply.com
FIELD TURF
With over 20,000 installations worldwide, FieldTurf has been the surface of choice for over 20 years. We’re trusted at every level, from professional franchises (NFL, MLS, CFL, MLB, and more); NCAA Division I, II and III programs; to schools & municipalities. FieldTurf is more than just a turf company. We are the pioneers of today’s generation of artificial turf and the innovators for tomorrow’s cutting-edge sports surfaces. Our fields have paved the way for little league dreamers, local school heroes, college rising stars and professional sports icons. FieldTurf is the most trusted name in artificial turf. Not only do we install the cutting-edge sports surfaces, but we also offer proper maintenance that will not only keep your field looking and playing at its best, but first and foremost it will provide your athletes with a playing surface that will assist them to perform at the peak of their abilities.
Matthew Cole 216-339-5393
matthew.cole@fieldturf.com
Cody Gustafson 847-340-8113
cody.gustafson@fieldturf.com
FOREVER LAWN MINNESOTA
ForeverLawn Minnesota provides unparalleled expertise and the highest quality, natural-looking synthetic grass for residential and commercial properties in Minnesota. Offering 5 different markets of the finest artificial grass alternatives, ForeverLawn Minnesota is a family owned and operated company, located in Lakeville for the past 18 years.
Kelby Johnson
612-210-4869
kelby@mn.foreverlawn.com
Troy Johnson 612-210-1946
troy@mn.foreverlawn.com www.mn.foreverlawn.com
FROST INC.
Frost Inc provides advanced spray technology products and services for the golf and turf care industry. Frost leads the market in GPS spray control systems and variable rate mapping services. Popular products include full package application equipment, chemical handling/mixing systems, and a variety of other unique products. Frost’s goal is to make spraying more accurate, more efficient, and a safer experience for the applicator and everyone else involved!
Gertens Wholesale offers turf products and landscape supplies including annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, evergreens, custom mulches, natural stone, wall stone and pavers. Custom blending of turf grass seed mixes, fertilizers, chemicals, infield conditioners, mound clay and erosion control products. We offer ArborJet injection equipment and related solutions.
Matt Krey
651-361-8500
mkrey@gertens.com www.gertens.com/wholesale
JANUARY 21—23, 2025
Saint Paul RiverCentre WWW.NORTHERNGREEN.ORG
MONDAY 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!
9:00am-12:00pm
HARTMAN COMPANIES, INC.
Hartman Companies specializes in sports field slit drainage; irrigation and grading with 40+ years of experience. Our methods of drainage installation keep disruption to a minimum. Drain today, play tomorrow.
Josh Eykyn josh@hartmancompanies.com
Dan Kelzer dan@hartmancompanies.com www.hartmancompanies.com
HERITAGE PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS GROUP
Heritage PPG is a nationwide distributor of professional turf products. Heritage PPG is an industry leader with a wide variety of sports turf products tailor made to fit your needs, such as granular fertilizer, high performance grass seed, Foliar fertilizer, a large selection of Heritage PPG proprietary products, herbicide, insecticide and fungicide from major brands. With years of sports field experience, your local sports turf expert can help you find the right products to help your fields stand up to the riggers of a season and look great in the process. You can count on us to take care of you and your turf.
Professional contractors and municipalities experience access to an unmatched on-hand inventory of the highest quality Irrigation, Landscape, & Outdoor Lighting products in the Minnesota market.
Mike Friederichs
612-599-6101 michael.friedrichs@hlsoutdoor.com
Jeff Laterell 612-791-4643
jeff.lastterell@hlsoutdoor.com
Chad Redman 952-529-8903
chad.redmann@hlsoutdoor.com www.hlsoutdoor.com
HUNTER INDUSTRIES
Hunter sales managers are trusted field partners dedicated to supporting the professional irrigation market. Hunter is dedicated to connecting our customers with trusted irrigation professionals who are knowledgeable of our products and their proper usage. We create innovative, high-quality solutions for the irrigation, outdoor lighting and custom molding industries.
Steve Pallas 651-216-8652 steve.pallas@hunterindustries.com
Eric Simmons 612-374-0244 eric.simmons@hunterindustries.com www.hunterindustries.com
KROMER COMPANY
Kromer Company is a highly specialized US manufacturer of athletic fiield maintenance equipment with 40+ years of experience in the field. Our innovative and adaptive line of durable equipment is designed to prepare your natural / synthetic fields efficiently and cost effective. We understand that time is money. Lining fields, painting logos, grooming, spraying, disinfecting, removing the paint from synthetic fields is what we help you do. Discover why so many stadium operators, colleges and universities, pro sports teams, high schools, municipalities and the U.S. Government trust our equipment to get the job done.
Al Hentges
763-743-0431
al@kromerco.com
Rachel Hentges
763-743-0431
rachel@kromerco.com www.kromerco.com
MAGIC TURF, INC.
Magic Turf (formerly Town & Country Landscaping) is a professional Minnesota contractor that specializes in installing, refurbishing, and maintaining athletic fields and high-use turfgrass areas for Cities, Schools, Colleges, Athletic Associations, and other high level Organizations. We partner with our valued clients to come up with the appropriate projects and programs for each situation individually. Our goal is to assist our clients in providing safe, functional, and professionally maintained fields and spaces for their athletes and all others utilizing these areas. Our experience and specialized equipment allow us to perform fine-grading, infield edging & detailing, pitching mound construction & maintenance, unsafe infield lip removal, GPS/Laser grading capabilities, seeding, over-seeding, sodding, aeration, top dressing, fertilizing, spraying (turf health & infield weed control), soil corrections, customized turf health programs, and much more!
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:
2 Access into the RiverCentre is:
From the Parking Ramp Skyway
Along the street level of Kellogg Ave.
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!
Kellogg Boulevard
3
The Saint Paul RiverCentre is a cashless venue. Please plan accordingly if you need to purchase food or beverage.
MIDWEST GROUNDCOVER EXPRESS BLOWER SERVICE
We use only the highest quality mulches, which are all natural virgin wood fibers. Our variety of mulches is ideal for playground surfacing, providing excellent shock absorption that offers a beautiful appearance, cost efficiency and easy installation.
Midwest Machinery Co. strives to equip and support the agricultural, consumer, and commercial markets of Minnesota and Wisconsin. They are a dealership with a passion for assisting their customer base with products, knowledge, and support. Midwest Machinery progressively trains its employees and their customers on the leading technologies in our industry to deliver the highest value with integrity at the highest ability.
Doug Erickson
507-645-4886 derickson@mmcjd.com www.mmcjd.com
MINNESOTA EQUIPMENT
Dating back to 1916, Minnesota Equipment has proudly served our local communities and agencies. We are primarily a John Deere, Toro, Ariens/Gravely, and Stihl dealer but carry many other lines to compliment those products. You will find a friendly sales, parts, and service team at each of our 4 metro locations. Keeping our customers progressing at a high level is a top priority of ours. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile and look forward to proving that. Check us out at minnesotaequipment.com or feel free to give us a call!
Established in 1993, MSC is a commercial sod and seed contractor, with an added focus on essential maintenance services. From large commercial installations, complete field replacements, repair and restoration work, MSC has extensive experience in all aspects of sports turf, including synthetic turf maintenance. Let our STMA Certified Sports Turf Managers on staff help you maximize your maintenance budget and make your facility safe, resilient and beautiful. The long list of both natural and synthetic turf services we provide, makes us a valued partner on premier professional, collegiate, K thru 12 and municipal facilities throughout the Midwest. Our state-of-the-art robotic field layout service is a “must see.” Machine controlled 3D grading is capable of bringing your ballfields to the next level. Visit us at www.mnsodco.com or give us a call and let’s see how we can improve your venue!
Roger Weinbrenner, CSFM 651-301-9004 rweinbrenner@mnsodco.com www.mnsodco.com
MOR GOLF
Located in Lakeville, we are the Club Car dealer for the Twin Cities. We are also a certified Husqvarna dealer and Grasshopper dealer. MOR Golf and Utility can provide you with the latest and greatest in golf carts and outdoor power equipment. From chainsaws and leaf blowers to zero-turns and snow blowers we have everything for your yard!
MTI is the leading supplier of products and services to the green industries through a combination of exceptional products and superior service. We are in the business of providing landscape beautification solutions to golf courses, schools, municipalities, landscape contractors and independent dealers.
Bill Brookhart 763-592-5600 brookhart@mtidistributing.com
Bob Frank 763-592-5727 bob.frank@mtidistributing.com
Larry Gorman 763-592-5720 larry.gorman@mtidistributing.com
Jeff Drake jeff.drake@mtidistributing.com www.mtidistributing.com
PBI GORDON, INC.
PBI Gordon, Inc. provides a robust line of herbicides, insecticides and other products in the turf & ornamental management industry.
Chris Quinlan 651-260-6300 cquinlan@pbigordon.com www.pbigordon.com
PETERSON COMPANIES, INC.
Over the years, we have built a solid reputation as one of the Upper Midwest's premier park and turf contractors. We have this reputation because of our willingness to accept any challenge, our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our work and our foresight to seek out the latest technology to incorporate into our practices. From massive excavation projects to sophisticated, commercial irrigation systems, we have experts and resources to get the job done right.
Dan Slepica 651-368-0217 slepica@petersoncompanies.net www.petersoncompanies.net
PIONEER ATHLETICS
Pioneer Athletics is a developer and manufacturer of synthetic and natural grass field marking paint and striping equipment. Pioneer supplies high schools, universities and professional athletic organizations.
Tom O’Hern 612-518-1107 tohern@pioneerathletics.com www.pioneerathletics.com
PLAISTED COMPANIES, INC. / PEAT INC.
Plaisted Companies mining reserve is located in Elk River and offers the most complete line of sand and gravel products available in the Upper Midwest. We offer more than 200 unique and innovative products. And because we have our own fleet of tandems, tri-axels, Super 7s, trucks and pups, and semi-end dumps we continue to strive to be the standard for responsive delivery options in the five-state area. From Mulch, Black Dirt, Boulders, Landscape Rock, Allan Block Retaining Wall Block, Keystone Retaining Wall Block and Borgert pavers, Plaisted Companies has everything from start to finish for your landscaping needs.
Brian Thunberg 763-450-9145 bthunberg@plaistedcompanies.com
Scott Thayer 000-000-0000 sthayer@plaistedcompanies.com www.plaistedcompanies.com
PORTOLITE PRODUCTS
Proudly handcrafted in the USA. Portolite has set the standard in Portolite Pitching Mounds is a family-owned and operated business based in Minnesota. We have set the standard in lightweight, durable, portable pitching mounds since 1992. Portolite Pitching baseball mounds and softball mats are in use at thousands of high schools, colleges, and park and recreation departments across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.
Chad Hoppe 612-716-5174 chad@portolite.com www.portolite.com
PROFESSIONAL TURF AND RENOVATION
Professional Turf & Renovation, Inc. (PTR) was started in 1982 by John Hopko, a Penn State graduate in turfgrass management. With 50 years of experience in the turfgrass industry, PTR has grown to offer a complete line of services to meet the needs of today’s natural and synthetic turf facilities. Our services and fleet of equipment includes the latest advances in the industry. From precision slit seeders, custom fertilizer and herbicide programs, synthetic turf maintenance, robotic painters, laser grading equipment, deep tine and linear aeration, and more. Throughout the years we have been members and supporters of the MPSFMA, MGCSA, MASMS, MnIAAA and the MTGF.
Rain Bird Corporation is a privately held company founded in 1933 during the agricultural boom in California. Rain Bird has produces and offers the industry’s broadest range of irrigation products for farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial developments around the world.
Andy Gangl 651-356-5689 agangl@rainbird.com www.rainbird.com
RAMY TURF PRODUCTS
Ramy Turf specializes in turf, native grass/forbs, wildlife and forage seed. Ramy also mixes/blends to the specifications of MnDOT, BWSR, DNR, NRCS and other agencies as well as custom blending for specific site requirements or per customer guidelines. Additionally, Ramy offers high quality fertilizers, erosion control options, geotextiles, and more.
Sam Bauer 612-205-4428 sam@ramyturf.com
Joel Chambers 507-382-2225 joel@ramyturf.com
Ryan Danielson 612-998-6739 ryan@ramyturf.com www.ramyturf.com
REINDERS, INC.
Reinders is a 5th generation family-owned distributor of turf care products featuring competition-grade grass seed from DLF & Landmark, DuraEdge soils and amendments, EC Grow, The Andersons & NatureSafe fertilizers, and many chemical brands from manufacturers like PBI Gordon, Nufarm, Syngenta, Corteva, QualiPro, BASF, Envu and Albaugh. The Company also sells a complete line of winter products, spreaders, sprayers, landscape tools and irrigation products. Reinders leads with quality products designed for sports turf and general grounds use and supports their use with unwavering support, tailor-fit management programs and site visits via a network of 28 technical sales reps located at 12 locations in 11 states. Online ordering, account management, product info/labels and access to companywide inventory are available 24/7 at www.reinders.com.
Joe Churchill 612-790-7333 jchurchill@reinders.com
Ben Boeding CSFM 612-710-0170 bboeding@reinders.com www.reinders.com
ROCK HARD LANDSCAPE SUPPLY
Rock Hard Landscape Supply is your first choice for landscape supplies in the Twin Cities area. Conveniently located in Burnsville on Highway 13, we are easily accessed by either 35W or Hwy 169. Our ideal location and extensive delivery options serve the entire south metro and beyond. Providing superb customer service and deliver quality landscape products at reasonable prices.
Kim Gaida 952-895-7408 kgaida@rockhardmn.com www.rockhardlandscapesupply.com
SAINT CROIX RECREATION COMPANY
St. Croix represents BCI Burke Play Equipment, Pilot Rock, Coverworx Shelters, Most Dependable Fountains & Wabash Valley which are all on the state contract and are manufactured in the Midwest saving time in the purchasing process and money in freight. Best part of St. Croix Recreation is our customer service!
Chris Johnsen Phone: 651-430-1247 cj@stcroixrec.com
Owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) -the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility recycles organic waste into high-quality compost, compost blends, mulch, top dressing, and more. In operation since the fall of 2011, the facility is part of the SMSC’s Dakota tradition of caring for the earth. Their new composting facility, Dakota Prairie Composting, will open in the fall of 2024.
SiteOne® Landscape Supply has all the seed, fertility, control and field maintenance products to take care of your playing fields all season long. Game-changing agronomic solutions maintain optimal performance and keep players safe. With expert advice, consultation and training, SiteOne can help improve your crew’s productivity and manage turf stress to prevent issues long-term.
Brandon Young 612-749-3172 byoung@siteone.com www.siteone.com
THE TESSMAN COMPANY
The Tessman Company is a trusted wholesale distributor proudly serving the green industry since 1950. With over seven decades of experience, we are committed to providing high-quality products and exceptional service to lawn care professionals, sports turf managers, landscapers, golf courses, greenhouses, and nurseries. Our extensive product portfolio includes premium turf and greenhouse fertilizers, specialized chemicals, top-tier grass seed, landscape supplies, grower soils, plastics, and a wide range of other essential products tailored to meet the needs of our diverse clientele. Additionally, we are a reliable supplier of ice-melting solutions, ensuring year-round support for our customers. At The Tessman Company, we are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and fostering long-term partnerships to help our customers thrive in the green industry.
Mike Zwisler 720-231-5582 mzwisler@tessmanseed.com
Tom Thul 651-755-8394 tthul@tessmanseed.com www.tessmanseed.com
TINY MOBILE ROBOTS
Tiny Mobile Robots is offering a better way to paint athletic fields. Revolutionizing the efficiency and precision of line marking for sports fields, TinyMobileRobots' solutions ensure accuracy, speed, and consistency every time. Say goodbye to hours of field layout before the intramural season, with TinyMobileRobots, field painting doesn’t have to be a pain.
Peter DeVries 952-797-4669 pd@tinymobilerobots.com www.tinymobilerobots.com
TURFCO MANUFACTURING CO.
As maintenance practices have changed and grown, so has our product line. Your topdressing program is likely tailored to your specific needs and conditions. Our expansive product line ensures that we have the right topdresser and material handler for your specific program.
Turfwerks is the place our clients turn to for all their golf course and turf care needs. From selling new and used equipment, as well as financing entire course fleets, we are able to fully service all of your needs as a one-stop shop. Sales, parts & service from one great company.
Nick Sherer 612-308-0102 nsherer@turfwerks.com www.turfwerks.com
TURF TANK
Turf Tank, the world’s best-rated autonomous line marking robot, is offering you the chance to see its innovative technology in action, right on your own field! Turf Tank is helping sports managers from over 3,000 organizations make their jobs easier, faster, and more accurate, giving them the flexibility to paint their fields with just a few clicks on a tablet. They’re excited to show you how this technology can transform your field marking process, too. Turf Tank will visit your facility and paint one of your fields. Representing Minnesota and Wisconson.
Charles Adams 651-491-9454 charles.adams@turftank.com www.turftank.com
TWIN CITY SEED COMPANY
Twin City Seed offers: House Mixtures; Nursery & Garden Center Mixtures; Turf Grasses; MN DOT ; Mixtures; WI DOT Mixtures; Golf Course and Sports Turf Mixtures; Forage Mixtures, and Native & Specialty Mixtures. Also offering: Organic Fertilizer; General Fertilizer; Water Soluble Fertilizer, and Seed Treatment.
Paul Kubista 952-944-7105 pkubista@twincityseed.com
Andy Keating 612-790-0561 akeating@twincityseed.com
VAN WALL EQUIPMENT
Van Wall is proud to be your John Deere Golf and Sports Turf equipment dealer. Our commitment to your business goes beyond the green and yellow of John Deere. We are committed to bringing you the best products in the industry. The products you need to get the job done. All with industry leading parts and service support you have come to expect from Van Wall. Give us a call today to learn more about our available inventory and support services!
• 7 organic nitrogen, 7 phosphorus, and 7 potassium sources
• Calcium, magnesium, sulfur, carbon, and all essential micronutrients
• Proprietary formulation keeps nutrients available longer in root zone
• Organic nutrients control leaching even in extreme weather
• FDA feed ingredients ensure safety in application and play
St. Francis Varsity Softball Field Wins Turfco | MPSFMA Field of the Year
The St. Francis High School Varsity Field was the winner of the 2024 Turfco | MPSFMA Field of the Year.
Nate Williamson accepted the award from Turfco representative Greg Brodd and MPSFMA President Trent Waters at the MPSFMA Annual Meeting on January 8th at CHS Field in St. Paul.
“This field was in rough shape three years ago and I think with what our crew has done short staffed and over 120 acres to maintain outside of this field during the week. I think the results of this hard work speak for itself. Surrounding communities and programs continue to ask to rent our field because it truly the best natural softball surface in the Mississippi 8 conference. When all those things are taken into account along with what has been improved in a short amount of time, I believe it is one of the best high school fields in the state,” said Williamson.
Greg Brodd, left, Turfco Manufacturing and MPSFMA President Trent Williamson, Minnesota Twins, right, presented the Turfco | MPSFMA Field of the Year award to Sports Turf Manager
Nate Williamson, St. Francis Area Schools, at the 2025 MPSFMA Annual Meeting at CHS Field in St. Paul where Williamson also was elected 2nd Vice President by the membership.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A
CHS FIELD PROVIDED
GREAT SETTING FOR THE 2025 MPSFMA ANNUAL MEETING Home of the Saint Paul Saints Minor League Baseball Club.
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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
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
2024 HERITAGE PPG | MPSFMA SPORTS FIELD MANAGER OF THE YEAR NATE WILLIAMSON, St. Francis Area Schools (center), accepted the Award at the MPSFMA Annual Meeting on January 8, 2025, at CHS Field in St. Paul. Williamson was also elected as 2nd Vice President of the Minnesota Park and Sports Field Management Association. Also pictured are Nick Wilz, Heritage PPG (left), and MPSFMA President Trent Waters, Minnesota Twins (right). Nominations for the 2025 sports field manager of the year are accepted throughout the year. Go to www.mpsfma.org for more info.
Williamson, O'Hern, Larson and Boeding Elected to MPSFMA Board of Directors
More than 70 members attended the January 8, 2025 MPSFMA Annual Meeting at CHS Field in Saint Paul. Thanks to host Marcus Campbell, head turf manager at CHS Field, and his staff for creating a great atmosphere for the meeting. The MPSFMA had its closest ever Board of Directors election as three of four categories were within a few votes. President Trent Waters, Vice President Marshall Syvertsen and Past President Derek Hollanitsch will continue in their positions for 2025. New on the MSPSFMA Board are:
2nd Vice President
Nate Williamson, Saint Francis Area Schools
General Member Representative
Kyle Larson, Minnesota Vikings
Commercial Member Representative
Tom O'Hern, Pioneer Athletics
MTGF Representative
Ben Boeding CSFM, Reinders, Inc.
MPSFMA member Nate Williamson had himself a day! Besides being elected by the membership as 2nd Vice President, he also won the Sports Field Manager of the Year Award sponsored by Heritage PPG (Nick Wilz), along with winning the Field of the Year Award sponsored by Turfco Manufacturing (Greg Brodd).
Marcus Campbell and his staff answered a variety of questions from the membership. Lunch was served and the membership was in no hurry to leave CHS Field. The 2025 Board of Directors are:
2025 Board of Directors
President: Trent Waters, Minnesota Twins
Vice President: Marshall Syvertsen, City of Edina
2nd Vice President: Nate Williamson, St. Francis Area Schools
Past President: Derek Hollanitsch, City of Saint Paul
General Member Representatives:
Luke Wittrock, University of Minnesota
Kyle Larson, Minnesota Vikings
Commercial Member Representatives: Paula Sliefert
Tom O'Hern, Pioneer Athletics
MTGF Representatives: Mark Kruse CSFM, City of Lakeville
Ben Boeding CSFM, Reinders, Inc.
Treasurer: Roger Weinbrenner CSFM, MSC
Executive Secretary: Jeff Turtinen
ECO WORKS SUPPLY
GREEN INDUSTRY BOWLING FUNDRAISER RAISES MORE FUNDS FOR A TURF SCHOLARSHIP
The 4th Annual MTGF/MNLA Green Industry Bowling Fundraiser took 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 Turf Students scholarship money. Including this year, the Green Industry Bowling Fundraiser has raised more than $10,000 for Turf Scholarships. Sorenson and Mike McDonald are the driving forces of this fundraiser.
This year’s Baker Round Green Industry Masters Cup winning team was from Wilson Nurseries and consisted of Andy Wilson, Cal Inman, Steve Mielke and Matt Gorzlancykl. Playing with this foursome, was MPSFMA Vice President Marshall Syvertsen, City of Edina.
The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation is a group of Green Industry professionals belonging to one of MTGF’s Allied Associations: Minnesota Association of Cemeteries, Minnesota Park and Sports
Field Management Association, Minnesota Turf Association, Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, Minnesota Society of Arboriculture, Minnesota Facility Management Professionals, Minnesota Turf Seed Council and the University of Minnesota Turfgrass Extension.
The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association consists of 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 2025 Green Industry Bowling Fundraiser will take place on December 4 at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl in Arden Hills. Participate as an individual (you will be put on a team) or make up your own 5person team. Sponsoring inquiries should be directed to Paulette Sorenson, fundraising coordinator. Questions about the tournament format should be directed to Mike McDonald.
Go to www.northerngreen.org to register for the December 4th event.
WILSON NURSERIES WINS 4TH ANNUAL GREEN INDUSTRY BOWLING FUNDRAISER BAKER ROUND MASTERS CUP! From the left, are: Andy Wilson, Cal Inman, Steve Mielke and Matt Gorzlancykl. Playing with this foursome, on the far right, is current MPSFMA Vice President Marshall Syvertsen, City of Edina.
