Park Planning and Maintenance Academy
August 3-6, 2026
Registration opens on Feb. 9th
Registration opens on Feb. 9th
Field study destinations include:
Field study destinations:
(Tuesday, 8-9:45 am, 1.75 hours)
The “Whys” and “Hows” of Producing a Maintenance Budget and Assets Management – Kalee Robinson, Director, Wichita Falls, TX
(Tuesday at 10:00-11:30 am, 1.5 hour)
How to Build and Maintain Pollinator Habitats in Park Landscapes – Desneige Sodano, Logan Simpson, Fort Collins.
(Tuesday, 1-2:30 pm, 1.5 hour)
Wildlife Management – Nuisance vs. Protected – Round Table discussion – Shane Huck will represent Oklahoma Park/Wildlife, Brandon Rind will represent Texas Park/Wildlife, Casey Westbrook will represent Colorado Park/Wildlife
(Tuesday, 2:45-3:45 pm, 1 hour)
Building Relationships with Public Works – Panel discussion (Cassie Olgren, Monument, CO, Steve Warner, Woodland Park and Lyle Minshull, North-Platte, NE) All either have worked or are working with or within Public Works Departments.
(Tuesday, 4-5 pm, 1 hour)
Playground Inspection and Maintenance: Preserving the Play Environment, Promoting the Value of Play, and Protecting Children – Heather Harp, Play and Park Structures
8-9:30 am – Dick’s Sporting Goods Stadium – Nate Booth
10-11:30 am – Center Park – Westminster – John Vann, Chris Johnson
11:30-Noon – Lunch in the pavilion at Center Park
12:30-2 pm – Bates Logan Park – Englewood – Adrian Torres
2:30-4:30 pm – Washington Park, BIG Pollinator Garden, Denver Parks – Skyler Smith
(Thursday 7:30-9 am 1.5 hours)
Open Spaces Management – How to Manage People on Natural Resources. Chris Lieber, NES, Colorado Springs Chris will reach out to those he knows in other park departments to participate in a panel discussion that he will facilitate.
(Thursday, 9:15-11:30 am, 2.25 hours)
“You Can’t Mulch Morale: Why Culture Still Matters” – Jason Genck, Manager of Berry Dunn of Denver
If the booking link does not show a rate of $172 ($170 rate and $2 destination market fee), please contact 303-337-2800 extension 2 any time Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. Our sales department can check for any errors with the link and provide immediate assistance.
Call 303-337-2800 once you arrive at the airport for pickup service
Schedule your return trip to the airport at the front desk 24 hours prior to your departure
Guests will receive breakfast vouchers to use in our Jackdaw Restaurant
Full hot buffet breakfast available Monday – Friday, 6am – 10am & Saturday/Sunday, 7am – 11am
The DoubleTree by Hilton, Denver
Aurora is pleased to offer complimentary airport transportation to and from the Denver International Airport (DIA). We also offer a complimentary 5 mile radius local shuttle, based upon availability.
13696 East Iliff Place
Aurora, CO 80014
303-337-2800
Airport Pick Up
Airport Drop Off:
Please note:
PPMA has various sponsorship levels available, contact Mendy Putman, PPMA Conference Coordinator (719) 651-2125 for sponsorship opportunities during the event.
GOLD SPONSOR
L.L. Johnson Distributing was founded in Denver, Colorado in 1976 by Leonard L. Johnson and has grown from a regional feed and seed supplier into one of the Rocky Mountain region’s most trusted names in turf equipment, irrigation, and landscape supply. Today, L.L. Johnson proudly represents Toro®, Ventrac®, and other leading brands, serving golf courses, municipalities, landscape contractors, sports fields, and green‑industry professionals. In 2025, L.L. Johnson joined the Oakcreek Golf & Turf family of companies, strengthening its resources while continuing to operate under the L.L. Johnson name. With multiple distribution centers, satellite irrigation stores, and dedicated teams across the region, L.L. Johnson remains committed to delivering dependable equipment, knowledgeable support, and long‑term customer success
GOLD SPONSOR
The Rain Bird Company was founded in 1933 during California’s agricultural boom. The Intelligent Use of Water is Rain Bird’s guiding philosophy and continues to influence all aspects of our business. Rain Bird has developed the industry’s most comprehensive line of water-efficient irrigation solutions for everything from homes and schools to parks, sports fields, golf courses, and farms. With efficient irrigation products and practices, it is absolutely possible for people to reduce outdoor water consumption by 25 percent or more without having to give up the plants, trees, and gardens that add so much to our lives. Rain Bird supports customers by offering in-field troubleshooting, training, and product-specific information. We consider it a privilege to work in an industry that values the outdoors, and our most precious resource – water.
Andrew Barber, Public Agent and Specifications Manager, Rocky Mountain Region
BRONZE SPONSOR
Turf2Max changes the composition of the soil from fine particulate to larger particles allowing essential water, air and nutrients to infiltrate deep into the root zone creating deeper vigorous root systems.
These root systems result in thicker, greener ground coverage. Turf2Max is better, easier, and more economical than any machine aeration. It also eliminates waterlogged soil by increasing percolation.
No other product on the market reduces soil compaction and soil bulk density to a depth of 8” or more.
John Buchanan, Chief of Operations,T2m Sales, LLC
BRONZE SPONSOR
Musco has shaped the history of sports lighting since 1976. The company’s TLC for LED™ technology delivers unmatched light quality, control, efficiency, and reliability. Offering permanent and temporary lighting systems for new and retrofit projects, we bring first-hand knowledge and experience with the many issues that impact players, spectators, neighbors, television broadcasts, and staff. We are happy to consult with you on any lighting project you may have now, or in the future.
Edwin Arceo, Sales Representatives, Denver, CO
BRONZE SPONSOR
At Kimley-Horn, one of the nation’s premier engineering, planning and design consultants, our professionals are experts in many disciplines yet share one passion, making our clients successful. We combine creative yet practical solutions, a sense of urgency and focus on bottom line value to meet your specific project needs. With offices nationwide, let Kimley-Horn be your one-stop consultant for superior solutions in a wide range of services.
Paul Reed, Irrigation Designer
BRONZE SPONSOR
A leader in the equipment rental industry, Sunbelt Rentals is constantly advancing the idea of how a company can best serve its customers, communities and the planet.
With a vast network of locations across North America and an expansive portfolio of products and services, we deliver solutions to support any job.
Meagan Seals, Regional Sales Manager-Government
BRONZE SPONSOR
Harrell’s is a leading manufacturer and distributor of products for the turf and ornamental industry. Founded in 1941 in Lakeland, Florida, as a small seed and feed store, the company has grown from a modest, family-run business into a nationwide leader. Today, Harrell’s delivers customized agronomic solutions that help turf managers, lawn care operators, growers, and applicators grow a better world. From the very beginning, Harrell’s has been guided by generations of family leadership—Ormond Harrell, Jack Harrell, Sr., Jack Harrell, Jr., and now Jack Harrell III. Each generation has shaped the company with a steadfast commitment to faith, family, and customer success, while upholding the core values that continue to define Harrell’s today.
BRONZE SPONSOR
Play & Park Structures is a leading playground design and equipment company dedicated to creating engaging, inclusive play environments that promote physical activity, creativity, and learning for children of all ages and abilities. As part of the PlayCore family, they combine decades of industry expertise with evidence-based research and the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design to tailor outdoor play spaces that support physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development. Play & Park offers start-to-finish support from experienced local Play Consultants — helping communities plan, fund, design, and install high-quality, ADA-accessible playgrounds and recreation spaces that bring people together.
It is the policy of the SWPRTI that if a prepaid attendee to PPMA wishes to cancel their registration; cancellation requests must be received at least two weeks prior to the PPMA starting date in order to qualify for a full refund. Emergency cancellations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.