The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) recognized Richland School District’s Landscape Services Team with an Honor Award in the Society's 2023 Green Star Awards competition. The award was given in the School Grounds (K-12, Technical School, Community Colleges) category for exceptional grounds maintenance.
The district’s 16-member team led by Chris Hall, Landscape Services Manager, maintains the grounds and fields at 20 schools and several support facilities, utilizing their expertise in turf management, irrigation, and landscaping. Nine members of the team are Certified Grounds Technicians, a specific national certification through PGMS.
A special mention goes to Hanford High School junior Leo Rangel for taking drone the drone photos used for the award submission. The photo chosen for the for the awards booklet features several district properties including Richland High, Fran Rish Stadium, Carmichael Middle School, Marcus Whitman Elementary and the district's Maintenance, Operations and Transportation buildings.
Previously the team earned a Green Star Honor Award for the maintenance of Fran Rish field, which was received in 2021.
The PGMS Green Star Awards celebrate grounds staff who meet the highest standards in landscape management and practices across industries, from universities and golf courses to resorts and government campuses. Typically, only a few K-12 schools or school districts, if any, meet the awards criteria each year.