WASHINGTON – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Landscape Structures Inc., a premier manufacturer of commercial playground equipment based in Delano, Minn., has committed $200,000 to support the Sustainable Sites Initiative, an interdisciplinary partnership between the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the United States Botanic Garden, and other organizations to develop guidelines and standards for landscape sustainability.

Just as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® rating system measures a building’s environmental impact, the Sustainable Sites Initiative will measure the sustainability of designed landscapes of all types including public, commercial, and residential projects. The U.S. Green Building Council is lending its support to this project and anticipates adoption of the Sustainable Sites metrics into its LEED® system once they are finished.

“As both a landscape architect and advocate for the outdoors, I am excited to support the development of the Sustainable Sites Initiative,” said Steve King, FASLA, Chairman of Landscape Structures Inc. “Landscape Structures is committed to promoting healthy, sustainable communities for generations to come and we are proud to support this Initiative. It will provide professionals and individuals with excellent information for making sustainable choices in their landscape and outdoor projects.”

“We are delighted to receive this level of support from such an outstanding leader in the landscape architecture industry,” said Nancy C. Somerville, Executive Vice President and CEO of ASLA. “It’s really no surprise that Landscape Structures is the first product manufacturer to contribute to the Sites Initiative. They have generously supported national initiatives for scholarships, research, active living and education outreach for many years. We welcome their involvement in this important project and know it will inspire other product providers to join as well.”

“This generous gift from Landscape Structures greatly strengthens the Sustainable Sites Initiative. Their commitment to sustainability will help us create the best possible site rating system,” said Susan Rieff, executive director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin.

The Sustainable Sites Initiative will issue the next major report on sustainable landscape design for public comment in November, with a preview available at the ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO this October. For more information, visit www.sustainablesites.org.

About Landscape Structures

The evolution of play began in 1971, when Landscape Structures Inc. opened its doors and introduced the revolutionary concept of continuous play. Since then, the employee-owned company, through their culture of continuous improvement, has demonstrated a commitment to healthy children, sustainable communities and a healthy environment. Learn more about Landscape Structures’ unique playground and skatepark products and their environmental programs at playlsi.com.

About ASLA

Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 18,200 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. The Society’s mission is to lead, to educate, and to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. Members of the Society use their “ASLA” suffix after their names to denote membership and their commitment to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Learn more about landscape architecture online at www.asla.org.

About the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin is a 279-acre public botanic garden with a strong research component dedicated to increasing the sustainable use and conservation of native landscapes. Founded by former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson, and actress Helen Hayes in 1982, the Wildflower Center is a leader in promoting and restoring North America’s native plants and natural landscapes. The Wildflower Center is a national model for native plant gardens and a center for research in conservation and landscape restoration.