Landscapes Unlimited forms Harvey/Irma Task Force

Golf course builder Landscapes Unlimited has mobilized a task force dedicated to remediating the damage done to Houston-area golf courses, clubhouses and sports-field facilities by Hurricane Harvey, while also standing ready for those Floridians dealing with Hurricane Irma aftermath.

Bill Kubly, company founder and board member of the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) Foundation, announced this week that Landscapes Unlimited will bolster resources to assist in the assessment and formulation of short-term and long-term planning strategies for properties affected by the hurricanes.

“Everyone in Texas and Florida is in our thoughts and prayers, but we feel there is a lot more we can do to assist as facilities and operations get their feet beneath them,” Kubly said. “In that spirit, we’re looking to extend the LU pool of resources from our four business units — Construction, Irrigation, Management and Maintenance — to answer questions or fill in gaps regarding short-term repairs, revamping of damaged infrastructure, or providing critical insights into master planning exercises.”

Golf course owners, managers and superintendents, sports field managers and municipal golf/parks managers are encouraged to reach out directly to Landscapes Unlimited’s Texas Office. Ask for Jake Riekstins at 402-416-7062, or to send an email to jriekstins@landscapesunlimited.com

In Florida, contact the company’s Florida Regional Office. Ask for C.T. Shaw at 910-664-0145, or email him at CTShaw@LandscapesUnlimited.com

Kubly explained that although LU is based in Lincoln, Nebraska, both Southeast Texas and Florida is home to many LU-constructed or renovated golf courses and sports facilities. The Houston metropolitan area is home to several key employees and their families, including company president Kurt Huseman and long-time general superintendent James Goebel. Huseman and his wife, like so many thousands of their fellow Houstonians, were evacuated from their flooded home by boat.

“Thankfully, all our Texas and Florida families are safe,” Kubly said, “but we’ve done a lot of business in those affected areas over the years. We have many, many relationships down there in Texas, and the same holds true for Florida, where several of our employees make their homes, as well. For us, having so many clients, friends and employees in these areas has really brought home the magnitude of what has happened.”

Kubly said that his firm’s national footprint means there are LU resources and programs available that can commit equipment, staff and/or materials to planning and remediation efforts. Landscapes Unlimited can assist with clubhouse and infrastructure issues as well.

“I would encourage anyone to reach out to us, whether you’ve worked with Landscapes before or not,” Kubly said. “We are insured and bonded and have experience working with FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] and insurers. We are TIPS-certified, which can really move things along for municipal parties. If you need help, please contact us — we will have the resources to assist. Gathering qualified local resources for the repair of those facilities may be particularly difficult in the weeks and months ahead. We stand ready to help in any way we can.”

Many in the golf industry have already shown their generosity regarding Harvey relief. Industry associations are taking a lead role, including the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA). The Texas Lone Star Chapter of the CMAA has been particularly proactive.