ORFA News

GUELPH, Dec.11, 2017 - On February 21 and 22, 2018, the University of Guelph will host the 27th annual Ontario Turfgrass Symposium (OTS) at Rozanski Hall. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘The Leading Edge of Information’. Online registration is now open and early bird pricing ends on January 12, 2018.

On Wednesday, February 21, sessions for sports turf and recreation facilities professionals include ‘Turf Facility Emergency Preparedness’, ‘The Art of Mowing’, ‘Health and Safety in the Turfgrass Industry’, and ‘Fraize Mowing’.

The ‘Turf Facility Emergency Preparedness’ session will be hosted by Terry Piche, Technical Director, Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) and Jeff Pajot, Health and Safety Consultant and Ergonomist, Public Services Health and Safety Association.

Piche and Pajot will discuss how recent public events (Las Vegas shootings and ammonia deaths in BC) in recreation facilities require turf and open space managers to review and evaluate their level of preparedness should a similar emergency occur.

Sessions scheduled for Thursday, February 22 include ‘Understanding Regulatory Responsibility When Moving Turf Equipment and Chemicals’, ‘Understanding Fiesta Use on Sports Fields and Lawns’, ‘Technical Construction of Sports Fields’, and ‘Developing Site Data to Support Infrastructure Needs’.

Karen Sabzali, Principal of PRC Solutions will lead the conversation on ‘Developing Site Data to Support Infrastructure Needs.’

Sabzali will emphasize how up-front planning—including assessing needs and operating impacts—will provide data to gain funding for field and site development.

The presentation will be based on studies recently completed for the City of Guelph and the Town of Innisfil.

OTS 2018 aims to provide an atmosphere for turf management professionals to network and collaborate. Register before January 12 to take advantage of early bird savings and secure your spot at this “leading edge” conference.

Visit the OTS website for continuing education credits for IPM, CGSA and GCSAA. 

About the University of Guelph:

Research-intensive and learner-centered, University of Guelph (U of G) campuses span urban hubs and rural communities. U of G is known for excellence in the arts and sciences, and a commitment to developing exceptional thinkers and engaged citizens. The University has nearly 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students at campuses in Guelph, Toronto and Ridgetown, including 1,200 international students from more than 100 countries. Known for its beautiful, safe campuses and welcoming, supportive culture, U of G blends historical and modern architecture with cutting-edge technology.

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For more information, please contact:
Pat Shaver, Manager, Program Development
pshaver@uoguelph.ca | 519.767.5000 or visit www.TurfSymposium.ca

50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada