City of Kamloops Honoured with Sports Field of the Year Award

Kamloops, BC - The City of Kamloops has been recognized internationally as the first Canadian municipality ever to win the prestigious Field of the Year award from the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) for its management of Norbrock Stadium.

City of Kamloops | Press Release
For Immediate Release: November 27, 2018

“If you compared this recognition to the Academy Awards, it would be the equivalent of winning Best Picture,” said Jeff Putnam, the City’s Parks and Civic Facilities Manager.

“Our application stood out, whether it was shown through our partnerships with organizations such as the High Country Flyers drone club, which provides Canada geese control around the field, to leading edge technologies we use for grooming and aerating,” said Putnam.

The award, which was announced on November 26, recognizes Kamloops among private and public sector organizations from around the world.

Putnam credits City staff for their expertise and commitment in managing and maintaining Norbrock Stadium as well as support from City Council and user groups, such as Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops Minor Baseball Association and private baseball clubs, in sharing ideas for ongoing improvements to the field.

The City was judged among other applicants in areas such as quality of field grooming by using specialty mowers and edging equipment, unique fertilization processes, and user group partnerships for keeping the turf in optimal condition.

The STMA—the professional association for 2,700 men and women who manage sports fields worldwide and who are critical to the safety of athletes and coaches—named Norbrock Stadium its 2018 "Field of the Year" in the Schools and Parks, Baseball, category. The field is overseen by Shawn Cook, the City’s Parks Supervisor; Mike DeCicco, the City’s Crew Leader – Turf; and the Parks crew.