For Release: Oct. 29, 2008
Contact:
Molly Baldwin (PGMS) 
(410) 223-2861
Sarah Taylor (202) 633-3081
The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) recognized the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. with an Honor Award in the Society's 2008 Green Star Awards competition. The award was given in the Amusement Park, Theme Park, or Zoo category for exceptional grounds maintenance. Winners were honored during the Society’s 2008 School of Grounds Management held in conjunction with the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky., October 22-25.
Established in 1889, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a 163 acre urban park located in Northwest Washington, D.C. With a budget of $1.2 million, the grounds crew of 13 is able to create and maintain exhibits that are fresh, inviting and aesthetically different. To name a few, the Think Tank exhibit is housing for orangutans designed with a tropical feel and the Seal and Sea Lion exhibit is a pool whose landscape surroundings include 500 annuals in planting beds and weathered cedar driftwood. Boasting an abundance of unique exhibits, the zoo has a landscape area that is sure to please any taste.
The Green Star Awards program brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence, complimenting other national landscape award programs that recognize outstanding landscape design and construction. This year's program acknowledged the nation's top manicured grounds in settings ranging from government buildings to amusement parks to universities. Overall, PGMS presented eight Grand Awards, its highest honor, as well as 11 Honor Awards in seven categories of competition.
