The Sports Turf Association was conceived in 1987 when at a brain storming session held at the University of Guelph (Canada) a broad segment of the turf industry endorsed its need. Of particular concern was the need to minimize and avoid injury to participants using athletic facilities where they relate to sports turf. More than two decades later the STA continues to promote better, safer sports turf through innovation, education and professional programs.

With considerable assistance from the Ontario Ministries of Tourism & Recreation and Agriculture & Food a constitution and administrative structure were established and the Association held its first Board of Directors meeting on May 27 of the same year.

September brought the publication of the first issue of the Sports Turf Newsletter, later renamed the Sports Turf Manager.

This archive, an ongoing cooperative project of Sports Turf Canada (formerly known as the Sports Turf Association) and the Michigan State University Libraries, features Sports Turf Manager / Sports Turf Newsletter content from 1987 to the present less 6 months.