A New Era in Turf Science: Brentsville District High School and Toro Cut the Ribbon on Turf Research Center

Brentsville District High School, in partnership with Toro, held the official grand opening of the Brentsville District Turf Research Center on Oct. 22. The new state-of-the-art facility prepares students for careers in grounds and sports turf management through hands-on learning, access to emerging technology and industry mentorship. The newly opened center is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

The grand opening also marked five years of collaboration between Brentsville and title sponsor Toro, reflecting a shared commitment to investing in students and strengthening the future of the entire industry.

The multi-day grand opening event brought together school officials, Toro executives, university partners and sports field leaders from professional sports franchises. The schedule included a college and career fair, research center tours, interactive equipment demonstrations, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the new facility.

From a Push Mower to a National Model

Turfgrass education offered at the high school level has been on the rise in recent years. The new Brentsville District Turf Research Center showcases how fast the discipline is growing. What started in 2017 with just 63 students, a single push mower and string trimmer has evolved into a national model. Today, more than 240 students actively maintain 30 acres of campus grounds, serving as a clear blueprint for districts across the country looking to launch similar programs.

“We’re trying to change the industry beyond just Brentsville,” said Dr. Drew Miller, director of the Brentsville Turf Toro Grounds Academy and visionary behind the center. “We usually have 60 seniors looking into employment and college programs each year, and we want to make sure they're ready for the next stage of their lives. We’ve even had students go right out of high school to work for teams in the MLB and NFL. This new center is really just the beginning. We've got a lot more growing to do, and we’re excited for the future.”

Real-World Research and STEM Education

A key highlight of the new 5,581 sq. ft. facility is a dedicated research lab, where students conduct controlled turfgrass research trials in direct collaboration with the Center for Sports Surface Research at Penn State University.

During the grand opening, Dr. Chase Straw, assistant professor of turfgrass soils and director of the Center for Sports Surface Research at Penn State University, led attendees on a tour of the lab and highlighted how hands-on, real-world applications bring STEM education to life for students. He pointed specifically to the high-level research partnerships the facility now makes possible.

“This center is the first of its kind at the high school level, and it rivals some universities,” Straw said. “Because they have the same testing devices that we use at Penn State, we can actively collaborate on getting students involved in real-world surface testing, giving them a competitive academic edge most students won’t receive until well into their college studies.”

Premier Equipment & Technical Training

To support the program’s exclusive use of Toro equipment, the new center features a workshop area equipped with a lift, a Bernhard reel grinder for sharpening reel mower blades and a welding station where students learn to service and maintain Toro machinery. The academy curriculum also incorporates Toro-developed classroom sessions covering safety, routine maintenance and career development.

Environmental Stewardship

The facility also promotes environmental stewardship with an integrated rainwater retention system and solar panels designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification. Training students on eco-friendly practices prepares them to navigate evolving environmental regulations and manage sustainable grounds operations in the future.

Pathway to Higher Education and Careers

As industries across the country face skilled labor shortages, turfgrass education at the high school level offers an immediate solution by creating direct career pathways. Academy alumni frequently go on to pursue degrees at top university turf programs and launch successful careers with professional sports teams, university athletic departments and golf courses across the country. To further support the future goals of students, Toro annually awards two $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors who plan to pursue a degree in Turf Management or Engineering.

Professional Expertise in Action

As the next generation of turfgrass managers, Brentsville students showcased their skills during the grand opening, participating in live technical equipment demonstrations by top industry professionals from the Carolina Panthers, Washington Nationals and more.

Danny Losito, director of sports fields and grounds for the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, demonstrated professional football field prep and precision painting techniques.

John Turnour, director of field operations for the Washington Nationals, led a session on professional baseball infield maintenance.

Noah Wahl, senior global product marketing manager for Toro, showcased autonomous mowing technology and precision turf innovations.

“Our commitment to the new Brentsville District Turf Research Center is rooted in giving these students every advantage possible, so there’s nothing quite like seeing this center become a reality and seeing these students operating the same Toro equipment used at professional sports stadiums and championship venues,” said Josh Jans, senior marketing manager for Toro. “They represent the absolute best of where our industry is heading, and we’re proud to walk alongside them in building that foundation."

Shaping the Future of the Industry

The collaborative partnership between Brentsville District High School and Toro demonstrates the powerful impact of bridging education and industry. By equipping students with real-world skills and direct career pathways, this groundbreaking initiative is more than a new facility — it is shaping the future of the turf industry.

To learn more about Toro’s family of brands and wide range of product offerings, visit thetorocompany.com.