This project offers an opportunity to explore a significant environmental and economic question: In regions facing water scarcity, what is the true relationship between the economic contributions of the recreational and professional sports industry and the environmental impact of maintaining their playing and facilities? Through site visits, discussions with various stakeholders—including golf course management, professional baseball grounds crews, environmental groups, and community members— we will investigate how the development and maintenance of playing fields and golf courses affect local water supplies. The goal is to explore the sustainability challenges and trade-offs involved in sports and recreation operations within drought-prone regions and to consider approaches to responsible resource management.
Day 2 started with a trip to Papago Golf Course, one of the best public courses in Scottsdale. We met with the General Manager and Superintendent, and they talked with us about how they effectively use their water resources. In our sit down session, they told us about their approaches to water management and upcoming challenges they will be facing as the environmental landscape continues to change. They also provided a tour of the ASU practice facility. After lunch, we went to McDowell Mountain Golf Club and played a round in the late afternoon.
Day 2
Day 3 started with an early drive to Oak Creek Country Club in Sedona. We met with the course superintendent who talked to us about the approaches they use to manage their water resources. It was a very different approach from the ones that Papago used, mostly because of the differences in climate. After our informational session, we played a round at the course. Special thanks to the club pro, Heather Risk, for hosting and helping to organize our visit.
Day 3
Today we visited Goodyear Ballpark and met with the grounds crew director and Greg DiCenzo, the AA manager in the Cleveland Guardians organization. We learned about how they manage their resources and keep their playing surfaces in game condition. We took a tour of their practice facility, and we were treated to tickets to the Guardians game tonight. Special thanks to coach DiCenzo.
Day 4
Credits:
Created with images by emotionpicture - "Scenic Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA" • tim - "Morning light on golf course" • Mitch - "pitchers mound with new baseball ready to play ball" • traveller70 - "Window Rock in morning light, Arizona, USA" • Jeff Whyte - "View of water features on a golf course in Palm Desert, CA.Palm Desert and Palm Springs are popular golf destinations." • PaulMassiePhoto - "Superstition Mountain at Sunset"