Alberta Sports Turf Field Day Blows Away Expectations

Yes, it was a little windy in Calgary August 25th for the inaugural, Alberta Sports Turf Field Day, co-produced by the Western Canada Turfgrass Association and Sports Turf Canada, but it was the supplier, sponsor and delegate support that really blew away event organizers.

About 75 delegates were expected on field at New Brighton Athletic Park but at the end of the day, over double that number participated in the education and networking event featuring University of Tennessee’s, Dr. John Sorochan and Olds College PTRC Lead Research Scientist, Katie Dodson plus an afternoon trade show with various exhibitor demonstrations and educational stations on the field. Dr. John Sorochan (centre of photo) demonstrates field impact testing to a group of turf managers at New Brighton Athletic Park.
 
Equally impressive was the Olds College Broncos soccer team that provided a fantastic burger and smokie lunch with all the fixins.  Note to the Ontario folks present, a smokie is short for smoked sausage (not just an oversize hotdog or bratwurst) and they’re a western summertime staple!
Conveying his appreciation for the hard work that went into producing this event, WCTA President Jason Pick stated, “Through our partnership with Sportsturf Canada, we are very pleased to have offered this new educational and networking event.  Celebrating how working together can drive both innovation and renewal, we connect our associations through a common vision.”
Sharing the cooperative spirit, Sports Turf Canada President, Tab Buckner, added, “Growing friendships and encouraging its network, we've introduced suppliers to new customers, each who play integral roles into industry's advancement. We thank our sponsors, Townships, Municipalities, and Cities across Alberta for confirming this renewal of education in Sportsfields, Parks and Recreation sectors, to be long overdue."
Special Contributors
Both the WCTA and STC would like to offer special thanks to event host Norley Calder and the City of Calgary for their cooperation and support along with Jason Pick and Olds College for supplying all the tables, chairs, tents, etc and the Olds College Broncos for an amazing job providing the food and beverage. Close call! The skies darkened and the rain fell briefly just after the Broncos had everyone fed and watered.  Near the end of the day, event Host Norley Calder (right with the big smile) chats with 1 of the 152 delegates who took part in the inaugural 'Alberta Sports Turf Field Day'
List of participating facilities: 
Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel
Alberta Recreation & Parks Association 
Bos Sod Farms 
Calgary Board of Education 
City of Airdrie 
City of Calgary 
City of Chestermere 
City of Edmonton 
City of Leduc 
City of Lethbridge 
City of Red Deer 
City of Saskatoon 
City of Spruce Grove 
City of Swift Current 
Consolidated Turf 
Earthly Matters Vermiculture 
Fort Saskatchewan 
Guelph Turfgrass Institute 
Inglis Environmental Ltd.
Living Soil Solutions
MMM Group Limited
Mount Royal University
Municipality of Jasper
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Olds College
Prairie Boy Turfgrass Solutions
Serenity Lawn & Landscape Inc.
South Jasper Place Minor Baseball Association
Southern Alberta Turfgrass Association
Strathcona County
Town of Banff
Town of Canmore
Town of Claresholm
Town of Innisfail
Town of Morinville
Town of Whitecourt
Tread Stone Eco-Solutions Ltd.
 

Supplier Sponsors and Exhibitors
Eagle Lake Professional Landscape Supply – GOLD SPONSOR
Jacobsen – GOLD SPONSOR
Keso Turf Supplies – GOLD SPONSOR
Ion Irrigation Management Inc. – SILVER SPONSOR
SiteOne Landscape Supply – SILVER SPONSOR
Western Turf Farms Ltd. – SILVER SPONSOR
BrettYoung Seeds – BRONZE SPONSOR
CPS Evergro – BRONZE SPONSOR
Plant Health Division – BRONZE SPONSOR
Pumptronics – BRONZE SPONSOR
Rain Bird – BRONZE SPONSOR
Toro Irrigation - BRONZE SPONSOR
Wood Bay Turf Technologies – BRONZE SPONSOR
Alberta Turfgrass Research Foundation
Bannerman Ltd.
EnviroPerfect Solutions
Harco Fittings
Kifco Water Reel Dealer, Farmingdale Inc.
Oakcreek Golf & Turf