Clearing the way

The grounds crew makes the New Paltz campus look good year round.
The support and hard work of this Facilities Management team is essential in contributing to the aesthetics of the campus, which is spread over 214 acres and includes a wetland area and campus pond. The grounds crew provides care for all outdoor areas on campus including lawns, athletic fields, flower beds, walkways, parking lots and roadways. They create and maintain an attractive, comfortable, green and safe environment in good and inclement weather.

“We mow and go, go, go. And then wait to attack the winter snows,” said Dale Sutton, grounds supervisor.

Meanwhile, inside the 60 buildings on campus, the operations and maintenance staff provides day-to-day functioning and routine maintenance. This work includes performing maintenance; repairs; emergency service; and minor renovations of the plumbing, electrical, mechanical and structural systems associated with all campus facilities, grounds keeping and recycling services.

All Facilities Management staff frequently work in partnership with other departments to support and provide services for campus events and activities, such as open houses, orientations and commencement ceremonies.

“We strive to do so in a manner that is pleasing to the academic, as well as the local community,” said John Shupe, assistant vice president of facilities management, “while prolonging the useful life of all equipment, buildings and their contents with sound fiscal responsibility.”