Colorado landscapers recognized at ELITE Awards

DENVER – Colorado’s landscape industry association, Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado,  announced the recipients of its 2020 ELITE Awards earlier this month.

The ELITE Awards recognizes landscape companies and professionals who demonstrate professionalism, excellence, management practices, sustainability and innovation.

“Our finalists and ­award winners reflect the key values of our Colorado landscape industry,” said ALCC CEO John McMahon. “This includes a commitment to environmental stewardsh­­ip as well as sound business practices and community service.”

ELITE Award categories also mirror the services and amenities ALCC member companies provide their clients, with awards for Community Stewardship, Customer Service, Design/Build, Innovation, Landscape Construction, Landscape Maintenance, Sustainability and Use of Color. In addition, the Most Valued Player (MVP) category recognized two landscape professionals for their outstanding service and dedication to the industry.

This year, the awards were presented by ALCC and sponsored by Colorado Materials. Over 100 landscape professionals gathered to celebrate Colorado projects (before Colorado banned community events) that placed in the awards, and the organizations that created or maintain them.

This year’s recipients, finalists and a brief description of their project submissions are as follows:

Community Stewardship

Award Recipient: Phase One Landscape – outdoor memorial garden for Sawyer Dow at Mullen High School, Denver, CO                                   

Customer Service

Award Recipient: BrightView Landscape – customer service in Parker and offices across metro Denver, CO

Design/Build Over $150K

Award Recipient: Lifescape Colorado – revitalized grounds at Richthofen Castle in Denver, CO

Finalist: Environmental Designs Inc. and Marpa Design Studio – outdoor entertainment space, fire feature and courtyard in Boulder, CO

Finalist: TLC Gardens LLC – native, low-maintenance landscape for residence in Longmont, CO

Design/Build Under $150K

Award Recipient: Native Edge Landscapes – innovative raised garden and landscape in Boulder, CO

Finalist: LID Landscapes – modern, sustainable yard renovation in Boulder, CO

Finalist: Tree of Life Landscapes – low-water, Japanese Zen garden in Westminster, CO

Innovation

Award Recipient: Scythe Robotics – self-driving robotic mower used at Tom Watson Park in Boulder, CO

Finalist: BestYard.com – retail holiday lighting store in Centennial, CO

Landscape Construction

Award Recipient: Singing Hills Landscape – innovative residential landscape and entertainment area in Denver, CO

Finalist: Western States Reclamation – stream and wetland restoration at Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project in Littleton, CO

Finalist: Changing Landscapes – transformed residential landscape in Boulder, CO

Maintenance

Award Recipient: Lifescape Colorado – revitalized grounds at Richthofen Castle in Denver, CO

Finalist: Terracare Associates – extensive upkeep of Arapahoe Parks and Recreation District, Centennial, CO

Finalist: Designscapes Colorado – meticulous maintenance at Cherry Hills Park HOA, Cherry Hills Village, CO

Sustainability

Award Recipient: Western States Reclamation – stream and wetland restoration at Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project in Littleton, CO

Finalist: Rocky Mountain Trees & Landscaping – Cement Creek Hugelkultur in Crested Butte, CO

Finalist: Designscapes Colorado – nature discovery zone for kids in Lafayette, CO

Use of Color

People’s Choice Award Recipient: Environmental Designs Inc. – seasonal color beds and containers for Hilltop Club in Aurora, CO

Judge’s Choice Award Recipient: Rocky Mountain Custom Landscapes – vibrant and productive gardens in Vail, CO

Finalist: Tree of Life Landscapes – low-water and low-maintenance, colorful garden in Longmont

MVP

Award Recipients:

Nicolas Caballero, Colorado Stoneworks, Colorado Springs, CO

Anthony Velazquez, Phase One Landscapes, Denver, CO

Volunteer Service Awards

Outlook Emerging Leader: Anne Campbell, Colorado Stoneworks Landscaping

(The Outlook Award recognizes acknowledges landscape professionals who are less than 40 years old and have made a significant contribution to their company, industry and ALCC.)

Stan Brown Distinguished Associate Member of the Year: Leo Degenstein, The L.L. Johnson Distributing Company (This award was first presented to Stan Brown in 2008 and recognizes acknowledges landscape professionals who foster solidarity, partnership and goodwill among those in his/her company and the industry.)

Bob Cannon Lifetime Achievement: Marie Peacock, previously with Gardenz

(This award honors individuals who have given loyal, dedicated service to the landscape industry and contributed ideas, programs and other endeavors to benefit ALCC members.)

John Garvey Person of the Year: Patrick O’Meara, High Country Landscape

 (This Award recognizes an individual who has provided outstanding volunteer service to/through the industry during the past year)