PARKS AND RECREATION
Photo provided by Rick Perruzzi CSFM , CPRP
Added Puopolo , “ While we are sports turf managers , that is not all that we do . We are an urban forestry department , we manage waterfront facilities , and we manage restroom facilities , so there is a custodial aspect to it . As much as I would love to nerd out and focus on sports turf , there is always something different that we are doing . I am always trying to educate the different user groups and the community that sports fields are not all that we do .”
According to Neighbor , it is challenging to get sufficient funding for maintaining high levels of service while running programs and tournaments seven days per week .
Ferguson added that managing field traffic and usage is key . “ We , as a city , are growing at an incredible rate , and adding fields and facilities for our ever-growing population has presented a significant challenge ,” he said . “ We are in the process of adding facilities to distribute athletic field access more evenly to our community , and this will aid us in providing top-tier fields for our community . That said , Oklahoma City is the second largest capital by area in the United States , so this presents a host of scheduling challenges because of travel time to and from these facilities . At the end of the day , these are good problems to have , and they keep us on our game .”
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE One area in which parks and recreation professionals need to be “ on their game ” is that of sustainability . Environmentally friendly practices and green initiatives are vital for our communities and an important part of park and recreation management .
“ We find a point in all that we do — daily operations and projects — to align with our agency ’ s sustainable goals ,” said McNeal . “ Water conservation , turfgrass reduction , pollinator and native landscape plantings , chemical reductions , and de-carbonization equipment . Our community is heavily focused on enhanced sustainable practices , and we strive to adapt those that align with our maintenance and operations practices where appropriate .”
“ Parks will always be a way to connect to nature ,” said Hamilton . “ We are exploring ways to be even better with recycling soils from different projects to topdress grass . Using more green-certified products ( humid acid , soil inoculants and green waste compost ). We are currently working with our water department to assist us in with grants for water-use reduction ; and we are also identifying smart water practices . Lastly , my favorite : biosolids , which are still under research with the state and local college . Biosolids are a byproduct of wastewater treatment . Solid waste is put in a giant greenhouse dryer and all water is removed before it goes to the landfill . This saves water and money . The uses once cleared could be a free fertilizer for grass and farms .”
Perruzzi said his goal has always been to look for better products — not just for the turf , but to also minimize any impacts to the environment . However , he added that those efforts come with challenges .
“ As stewards of the environment , it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of not just our direct users but also our indirect groups ,” he said . “ In our community , ordinances have been passed regulating the use of fertilizers and pesticides . Unfortunately , our ability to make educated decisions has been taken away from us and been instructed by policymakers how to maintain our athletic fields . It has nothing to do with our resistance to try new products and technologies , but I feel there needs to be a balance as alternative products are being improved .
“ As stewards of the environment , we understand and appreciate the impacts on the environment around our communities ,” he added . “ But , ultimately , a healthy , vibrant turfgrass system is an asset to not just the user groups but also the surrounding areas as nature ’ s best filter .”
Thedens said that his department has been proactive in providing natural areas , green buffers around waters , and best management practices to help lessen the impact on the environment . He added that this is an ongoing focus and continues to be at the front of decision making now and moving forward .
24 SportsField Management | July 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com