June 2013 Issue - Cape Cod Academy

CURRENT ISSUE ONEChris and Tim Keep Academy Fields GreenBy Emma BalkinOne of two dedicated groundskeepershere at Cape Cod Academy, Tim Grimm hasbeen studying horticulture and related fieldsfor many years. His journey to working atCCA began when he studied horticulture atCape Cod Community College. Later, hestudied in the master gardeners programthat was run through the Town ofBarnstable, which led him to secure a jobas the grounds supervisor at ChathamBars Inn. Over the course of many yearshe gained experience, learning all therewas to know about grounds keeping andgardening.When asked about fieldmaintenance, Tim explained that properfertilization and irrigation practices arekey! For fertilizer, only organic andheavily nitrogen based fertilizers are usedon the CCA grounds. As Tim put it, thefertilizer is essentially, “chicken poop!”CCA has sixteen acres of irrigated turf, allof which needs to be fertilized three tofour times per year. The irrigationsystems are entirely self-controlled,meaning set automatic timers controlthem. Tim explained that although theactual tasks of maintaining the groundsare difficult, the biggest challenge he andhis co-worker face are time constraintsand consistently reaching the highstandards they desire.Chris, left, and TimChris Gonnella has his associates degree inscience in golf course management. He also hasa bachelor’s in business management from theUniversity of Central Florida. He has workedon two major golf course construction projectsand was the golf course superintendent atRedtail in Florida.At Cape Cod Academy, Chris embraces manychallenges involved in mulching, planting andtree work. Maintaining one of the best schoolsoccer fields, Chris is an expert on dethatching,aerating and 3.8 inch screened topsoil.