Timberline was recently honored by the National Association of Landscape Professionals with a Merit Award for Landscape Management at the beautiful Olympic Training Center here in Colorado Springs.
The Olympic Training Center provides a training facility as well as housing for Team USA’s world-class athletes. Public visitation and touring of the facilities for public relations is allowed, so if you have not visited, it is quite fun! The United States Olympic Committee’s goals for landscape management for the property include: safety of all athletes and visitors, and beautification of the high-profile property. There is a great emphasis on attention to detail throughout the property as it is a direct reflection upon Team USA and the Olympic Committee.
One item considered by the NALP when choosing award recipients is the challenges involved in taking care of the property. The Olympic Training Center is a high traffic property for resident-athletes, administrative team members, and tourists. Many special events are held at the property each year which require special work hours and attention to watering schedules and detail of the landscape.
The topography of the property, especially the visitor center entrance, provides additional challenges. Throughout the campus there is a large number of sculptural features and flag poles, often in turf areas which have to be carefully mowed and trimmed around. Snow removal is another important detail. The property owners are very concerned with safety of athletes and visitors, giving them a “zero tolerance” policy on snow and ice.
Since tours are conducted daily, Timberline is on site each day of the week. We walk the main path that tourist groups take in the early morning hours to ensure that all debris is removed from the tour path and then police the remainder of the site so the property looks its best for visitors.
The challenges of taking care of such a high-profile property are far outweighed by the honor of doing so. Timberline is excited to share in our award with all of our partners at the Olympic Training Center and we are thankful for the opportunity.
