Despite windy conditions and the occasional raindrop, Project EverGreen kicked off its “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.”™ Initiative on October 7 in Cleveland, Ohio, with the revitalization of the soccer field behind the Michael J. Zone Recreation Center.

With a host of special guests in attendance – including Matt Zone, for whose grandfather the center is named, and Richard Silva, Commissioner of Maintenance for the City of Cleveland Parks Department – Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen, shared how revitalizing green spaces benefits children, adults, and entire communities.

“Returning the field behind me to a condition that allows neighborhood youth and adult sports teams to once again safely practice, play, and enjoy the space is what this initiative is all about,” said Code. “Access to safe and healthy playing surfaces is vital to our kids’ enjoyment and development.”

Studies have confirmed the significant value of children spending time outdoors, and Project EverGreen’s “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” initiative was created to restore and revitalize green spaces where kids can play, exercise, and connect – including sports fields and parks.

The initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Sports Field Management Association and the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance.

“Not only do yards, parks, and sports fields promote healthier lifestyles, they also contribute to economic growth, community development, and environmental improvement,” added Code.

The project involved aerating, fertilizing, and overseeding the playing surface, as well as removing rocks and bricks embedded in the soil. Local contractors lending support to the effort included Morton’s Landscape, Schill Grounds Management, Weed Pro, and Weed Man. The total estimated cost to renovate the 120-yd. x 60-yd. field was $15,000.

“These fields receive a lot of use, and as is the case with fields across the city, the need for renovation is there, but funding isn’t always available,” said Silva. “Project EverGreen’s initiative will make this field safer and more attractive for kids to play on.”

“The center is a special place for this community and for me personally, with the center named for my father and located in the ward I serve,” said Councilman Zone. “Initiatives like ‘Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.’ will go a long way toward ensuring the long-term stability and viability of this field and this center.”

Project Scope:

• Aeration
• Fertilization
• Overseeding
• Removal of rocks and debris from playing surface