EDDIE ATHERTON

SECRETARY

I graduated from Owensboro High School in 1977 and went on to Western Kentucky University where I obtained an Associate of Science degree in December of 1979.  I have been with the City of Owensboro since July of 1988 as Horticulturist.  Initially I worked in the Parks
and Recreation Department and supervised the Beautification Division.  My duties included managing all aspects of the landscape installation and maintenance in parks and public areas, medians, etc.  Along the way I picked up the responsibility for management of right-of-way trees and the tree inventory management system.  In January of 1996 I became an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.  There was some restructuring over the years that created a Facilities Maintenance Department within the City and the maintenance groups were pulled out of the Parks and Recreation Department.

In August of 2001, with the retirement of the former Parks Maintenance Manager, more restructuring was brought about and I picked up the management responsibilities of those areas.  These included all parks maintenance mowing operations, playgrounds inspection and maintenance, rough mowing, athletic fields, festival and special event set-up and removal, and whatever else comes along. 

Being that my education and background were primarily in the landscape area, the athletic fields were and still are quite a challenge.  With support of City management, I have worked hard at better educating myself and fellow employees that get the job done about the newest and best turf management practices.  As a part of this I have associated myself with this organization and the members of the group.  I have found that they are a great group that is always willing to share their experiences and knowledge with me and have learned a lot from the various programs that I have attended and participated in.  A lot has been accomplished and there is a lot more to do with the help of you the members.  Get involved and help where you can. 

If I can ever be of assistance give me a call at 270-687-8707, contact me by e-mail, or I am at most of the KySTMA programs.

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