City of Belleville Parks Supervisor Wins Sports Turf Manager of the Year Award

Ken was announced as the recipient of the award at the Ontario Turf Grass Symposium in February and officially received the award today during a Sports Field Training Day hosted at Mary-Anne Sills Park. Ken was also featured on the front cover of the April/May edition of Turf & Rec magazine.

Ken has been with the City since 2005, where he started as a Turf Person and Integrated Pest Technician. In 2020, he was promoted to his current role of Parks Supervisor. Ken co-supervises 14 full-time staff and 24 seasonal staff during the summer, maintaining 25 soccer fields and 10 baseball diamonds. Along with sports fields, the City’s parks team is responsible for maintaining over 70 parks, green spaces & trails, 22 playgrounds, as well as running a floral program, assisting with events, maintaining outdoor ice rinks and installing the annual Festival of Lights holiday lighting displays.

Ken’s experience goes well beyond his time with the City and includes extensive experience in the golf course and lawn care industries. Learn more about Ken and get a glimpse of what goes into maintaining Belleville's sports field in the full article from Turf & Rec.

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award from the Canadian Sports Fields Association,” said Parks Supervisor Ken Hoard. “This award is a reflection of our dedicated team that I have the privilege to work alongside. Together, we’ve built fields and spaces that our community can be proud of and enjoy, and that’s what makes our job so rewarding.”

“We are lucky to have Ken on our team and it’s great to see that he is being recognized for his work,” said Director of Transportation and Operations, Joe Reid. ”His passion and leadership are a big part of why Belleville is recognized for having some of the best sports fields in the province.”