Volunteers mow, trim, fertilize and plant to enhance the Capitol grounds

The Cactus & Pine GCSA conducted their inaugural “Freshen Up the Capitol” Day on Jan. 13 in Phoenix, Ariz.  Cactus & Pine members and allied golf association/company representatives volunteered to enhance the appearance of the grounds at the Arizona State Capitol. 

Construction on the Capitol building began in 1898 when Arizona was still a Territorial government and it opened for operation three years later in 1901. Arizona gained statehood in 1912 and the Capitol building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

“The Cactus & Pine board of directors wanted to use our expertise and contribute to our state government with a project that enhanced the beauty of the Capitol grounds,” said Cactus & Pine Chapter Executive Director Carmella Ruggiero, smiling as she assisted in the planting of the rosebushes.  “It’s important that our association gives back and the historic Capitol Building and grounds are something that all residents of Arizona can truly enjoy.”

The volunteers fertilized, mowed, trimmed and edged the turfgrass, planted 32 rosebushes, 12 ornamental plants and distributed and spread 14 tons of rock over the Capitol grounds.  “It’s amazing to see what we can accomplish in a short time frame when we all work together,” said Cactus & Pine turfgrass advisor Kai Umeda, Turfgrass Agent, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. “It was hard work, but gratifying to see the improvements to the area.”        

Numerous vendors supplied equipment and product for the day including Aero Equipment Rental and Sales, Francis Roses, Pioneer Sand and Stotz Equipment.  The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) donated the ornamental plants. 

“I can’t thank our vendors enough for bringing down equipment, product and tools,” said Rory Van Poucke, Cactus & Pine president and general manager/Class A superintendent at Apache Sun Golf Club.  “Jason Palmer at Aero Equipment Rental and Sales, Jo Sours with CMAA, Tyler Francis at Francis Roses, Ken Ward at Pioneer Sand and Teddy Rosztoczy at Stotz Equipment played a huge part in the success of this day.”

“Shawn Emerson’s staff at Desert Mountain and my guys at Apache Sun were selfless in spending a Saturday to promote the associations efforts and give back to the community while raising awareness for the golf industry,” noted Van Poucke.  

Those who volunteered their time included Desert Mountain Director of Agronomy Shawn Emerson and three of his supervisors: Skip Douglas, Michael Gracie, Chris Sachen; Ping corporate counsel Dawn Grove, GCSAA Southwest Field Representative Jeff Jensen, Recreation Centers of Sun City Assistant Superintendent Mike Murphy, Cactus & Pine Chapter Executive Director Carmella Ruggiero, CMAA managing director Jo Sours, University of Arizona Turfgrass Agent Kai Umeda and Cactus & Pine GCSA President Rory Van Poucke and Apache Sun staff members Fabian Martinez, Jose Perez and Gersard Velazco. 

The visual enhancements and hard work by the golf community didn’t go unnoticed by those working at the Capitol.  “We appreciate the golf course industry’s contribution of expert consultation toward improving the Capitol grounds landscaping,” said Nola Barnes, Assistant Director for the Arizona Department of Administration General Services Division. 

The Cactus & Pine GCSA is dedicated to enhancing the professional recognition of its members through education, leadership, collaboration, government relations and environmental stewardship. For more information on the chapter, visit the Cactus & Pine GCSA website.