Included in the Landscape section of the evaluation form, Turf & Groundcovers remains a criteria award. This criterion relates to turf management programs, maintenance, policies, standards, and best practices, as well as quality and use of groundcovers.
Winners of the Scotts Turf Builder
Turf and Groundcovers Award
2009: City of Oshawa, Ontario
Over the last 10 years, the City of Oshawa has taken a pro-active leadership role in the creation and maintenance of quality turf and groundcovers in the community through a Pest Management Program , education and outreach programs, and dedicated staff to implement and maintain the programs successfully.
2008: City of Ocala, Florida
There are actually 22 golf courses in operation in the region of Ocala and all effort are being made towards recycling and using the minimum of water from wells in order to maintain a viable water table for the community. The two municipal golf courses operated by the City sets the example by using nearly 100% of their required water for irrigation that is recuperated from a nearby waste water treatment plan.
Throughout the city, there are numerous storm water retention ponds surrounded by a well-maintained green buffer zone where turf is cut on a regular basis. The newly developed subdivision are very well landscaped and respectful of water restrictions.
2007: Strathcona County, Alberta
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The condition of turf throughout the County demonstrates that these people understand what it takes to have appropriate quantities and quality of turf. Maintenance standards are documented and the turf mowing schedule depends on the turf use.
One stunning example was the field-hockey field prepared for the Western Canada Summer Games. One of the visiting coaches exclaimed it was the best he had seen in 30 years. The reason is that it was cut to 3/4" high, taken down by repeated mowings, each slightly lower than the previous, then cross cut using a reel, rather than a rotary mower. Congratulations on your attention to detail and pride in your turf.
2006: City of Kamloops, British Columbia
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In Kamloops, there are numerous grassland areas which serve as parks, recreation purposes and, those of the natural environment, which soften the townscape. Each is valued for its own purpose and management techniques are continually being upgraded.
In one of the City’s stadia, computerized watering controls are in place and existing soil nutrient levels are monitored to ensure that appropriate fertilizer dressings are applied.
There are dedicated, qualified staff who can properly interpret and make good use of modern facilities and resources.
Kamloops certainly is a leader in the field of modern science being used in the practice of exemplary turf culture!
2005: City of Prince George, British Columbia
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A city management plan for these areas is evident and the reduction and sensitive use of pesticides is to be commended. Mowing frequency and height is in tune with current turf care practices and the turf stands were in a vigorous state of growth suitable to current applications.
The budget dedicated to turf and in particular parks management is small and the town is receiving excellent value in the overall quality of the parks system and in particular the turf areas.
Prince George acts as a model for other communities in the development of both high and low use turf areas.
Twenty-seven well-trained individuals care for Strathcona County's turf.