Project EverGreen, in partnership with Exmark Manufacturing and the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA), named the Parks & Recreation Department of Clinton, N.C., the winner of the “Our Winning Green Spaces” contest.

The contest gave municipal parks, recreation and public works departments and nonprofit entities a chance to win an Exmark Lazer Z X-Series mower package—valued at $15,000—and a renovation project for their city.

In the contest entry, Jonathan Allen, director of parks and recreation for Clinton, said budget cuts in maintenance combined with an aging park infrastructure and increased park usage by local youth baseball, softball, soccer and football teams have put a strain on the department to keep up with maintenance activities.

“The increased usage has placed more wear and tear on the natural turf fields, and there is little to no down time for the fields to recuperate and be properly maintained,” said Allen.

The new mowers will assist Allen’s department better maintain the fields and provide a safer playing surface for young athletes and a more aesthetically pleasing site for visitors and residents.

“Our parks are a melting pot for our community,” said Allen. “Everyone comes together to play, run, walk, socialize and laugh. Parks are the ‘hubs’ of our city and bring everyone together.”

“Project EverGreen is pleased to name the Clinton, N.C., Parks & Recreation Department the winner of the Our Winning Green Space contest,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “The work the department does on behalf of the community to deliver safer, greener and more accessible parks and recreational spaces need to be supported, and we are glad to get behind their efforts.”

In early summer, Project EverGreen, STMA and local volunteers will renovate a combination soccer/football field.

Photo: Project EverGreen