STMA President Jimmy Simpson, CSFM, shared the following message with STMA members on May 29:
It is hard to believe that it has been two weeks since the last message to the membership. In that message we introduced a video, that to me, embodies the hard work, efforts, and sacrifices made by the professionals in our industry daily. Recently, with so much going on at home and at work it seems like each day just melts away and into the next. However, there is light beginning to show at the end of this tunnel as many states and municipalities begin to open their doors to varying degrees.
As things change, I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on some new resources that are becoming available. Chapter 2 of the STMA “Route to Recovery” guide is currently being digitized for availability to everyone. The chapter features include our revamped playing conditions index (PCI), an article on sports field management in a crisis, and several helpful video clips from our town hall meetings. All town hall meetings are recorded and hosted on the STMA YouTube channel.
Due to the continued success of the town hall meetings, I am pleased to announce that the next town hall meeting will take place on Tues., June 9th. Additionally, future town halls will be offered starting in July on the second Tuesday of each month. If you have an idea or topic for these town halls, please reach out and let STMA know.
Upcoming resources in conjunction with chapter 2 of the recovery guide include cooperation with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) on blog posts about athletic field maintenance. The STMA is also compiling information as it relates to decontamination of synthetic surfaces and should have that information ready for publication in the next week. Finally, as budgets tighten a group has been formed to create a natural grass athletic field renovation guide to provide helpful tips for successful money-saving renovations.
As this crisis has evolved the STMA and its membership have attempted to build and provide resources that could help sports field managers all over the world cope with some parts of their individual situations. Our hope is that in some way you have been able to use the resources to help you in your daily work. I know for certain the interactions at the Town Halls, zoom chapter leader calls, and recovery task force has helped me weather the storm. We are truly stronger together, and this crisis has proven that this industry cares for each other as passionately as we care for our athletic fields. If there is anything the STMA can do for you, please reach out to us.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Simpson, CSFM
STMA President