FIELD OF THE YEAR SCHOOLS AND PARKS SOFTBALL tasks or try new products to help our environment and landscape be healthier and aesthetically pleasing to everyone it affects . Not being afraid to fail has allowed me and my crews to turn the ordinary into extraordinary , regardless of the circumstances . the vehicle to accomplish the task and sometimes the brains . Our school district allows us the freedom to do all that we need to do for our athletes and fields . The facilities for all sports in our district are second to none , and are utilized by schools throughout our state . We are blessed to be in an organization that takes such pride in its fields and landscape , and supports our grounds crew with the products we need to be successful . I am only as good as my crew , and we are only as good as our district allows us to be . I may be biased , but I feel like the product we produce and the ownership that each groundskeeper and I take is a perfect reflection of those thoughts . SFM
SFM : What were the biggest challenges you faced with the winning field , and how have you approached those challenges ? Arms : The biggest challenge we faced with the field has been playability due to drainage . During any significant rainstorm , we could not allow the team on the field for several days — even while other fields were being used . This was due to the drainage on the field being removed during a value engineering session while its original construction was taking place . I had strongly suggested that the field ’ s drainage was a vital part of its ability to be playable in a timely manner . After a few years of moaning and groaning from me , the athletic director and the coach , the district agreed to do the drainage and some other things to improve playability including a warning track and an artificial turf halo . Since that work has been completed , we have missed only a game or two and a couple of practices — all due to inclement weather at the time of the events .
SFM : Please tell us about your crew , and anything else you would like us to know about your organization and the fields / facilities that you manage ? Arms : My crew for athletics consists of me and two others . Other groundskeepers help sometimes when needed . If it were not for the dedication of my crew , we would not be having this discussion . I lean on them heavily due to other responsibilities that pull me away from my true love — athletic fields . They honestly deserve all of the credit for this award . I have only been
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