Marlins Park And ValleyCrest Landscape Development Receive Environmental Improvement Award

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Dec 05, 2012, 09:00 ET

MIAMI, Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Marlins Park and ValleyCrest Landscape Development have been named the recipient of an Environmental Improvement Grand Award by the Professional Landcare Network. The award recognizes superior landscape projects that increase public awareness of environmental improvement and exemplify consistent use of quality materials and workmanship. The Grand award is the first place level in the competition.

The most sustainable ballpark in the country, Marlins Park is the world's first retractable-roof ballpark to receive GOLD LEED®-certification. ValleyCrest, the landscape contractor involved in the construction of Marlins Park, contributed to the park's sustainability strategy by bringing to life key green design elements.

Among the environmentally friendly features is a water-smart irrigation system installed by ValleyCrest. The system, which consists of more than 18,000 linear-feet of sub-drainage piping, will reduce water use by an estimated 52%. In an additional boost to water efficiency, ValleyCrest planted native plant species with lower water needs. Sourced from within 500-miles of the park, the plant material is a celebration of South Florida horticulture.

Accenting Marlins Park's landscape is the colorful hardscape that comprises the stadium's plaza and walkways, also installed by ValleyCrest. Crushed glass pavers bring a recycled element to the landscape and high-end colored concrete finishes reflect the vibrant colors of the surrounding city.

In addition to exterior landscape, ValleyCrest's team of sports field construction experts performed construction on the interior of the ballpark including synthetic turf bullpens, batting tunnels, outfield wall padding, infield clay, home plate and all bases, a removable pitcher's mound, foul ball netting, and sod installation.

About Marlins Park
Marlins Park is located in the heart of Miami, on the historic Orange Bowl site. The ballpark features an open 360-degree Promenade Level, giving fans a live view of the playing field no matter where they are, as well as incredible food options at The Clevelander, Taste of Miami, concessions and shops on the West Plaza. Marlins Park represents the next generation of ballparks. Its curvilinear shape and contemporary design renders Marlins Park an innovative structure veering far from the traditional. A leader in environmental design, Marlins Park features a state-of-the-art retractable roof and six operable glass panels overlooking the downtown Miami skyline. The pioneering design of Marlins Park will set the tone for ballparks to come. Please visit marlins.com for more information.

About ValleyCrest Landscape Companies
Founded in 1949, Calabasas, Calif.-based ValleyCrest Landscape Companies is the nation's largest integrated landscape services company with annual revenues of more than $850 million, more than 10,000 employees and operations in more than 150 locations nationwide. ValleyCrest, which ranks on Forbes Magazine's list of America's 500 Largest Private Companies, is commissioned by architects, developers, commercial real estate owners, public agencies, property managers and luxury home builders to help create, build or maintain some of the world's extraordinary natural environments. For more information about ValleyCrest, please visit www.valleycrest.com. ValleyCrest is the Workforce of Nature^®.