Park Planning and Maintenance Academy

August 3-6, 2026

Registration opens on Feb. 9th

The Park Planning and Maintenance Academy is an intensive training program for park professionals seeking to improve their performance and enrich their organizations.

After completing the Year 1 and Year 2 curriculum, participants receive a certificate of completion and are known as Graduates.  Any graduate can return for the Graduate year which offers a new set of classes in alternating years that are specific to current needs, issues and trends in the park industry. The Graduate Institute is back this year.

All 3 years will be held Monday-Thursday, August 3-6. A welcome reception at the hotel on Monday, August 3 at 6 p.m. is for all attendees. Check in early and sign up for door prizes.

****If you are flying, please be sure to pick a later flight on Thursday so you can be part of the closing banquet.
The registration fee is $475 before June 30th.  After July 1st, the price goes to $550. Registration includes the welcome reception, all classes, bus tours and lunches. Hotel rooms with breakfast buffets are available through the link for Hilton Doubletree.  PLEASE DO NOT delay in making your hotel room reservations. This hotel fills quickly in the summer and our block fills fast as well.  Hotel rooms are $172 per night.

Don’t forget to make your hotel reservations!

VIEW HOTEL RESERVATION DETAILS

PPMA is produced by the Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute and made possible by our sponsors.

VIEW SPONSORS

ITINERARY OF EVENTS

Monday, Aug. 3 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception with food, drinks and door prizes. Check in early and get your swag bag. Mingle with other attendees.
Tuesday, Aug. 4 | 7:15 AM – 4:30 PM
Opening and classes all day. Buffet lunch provided. Dinner on your own at surrounding restaurants or hotel restaurant.
Wednesday, Aug. 5 | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Bus Tours for Everyone all day. Box lunches provided on all tours. 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 6 | 8 AM – 1:00 PM
Morning classes 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM Banquet lunch and award ceremony 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Please make airline flights after 3 p.m. if possible)
All classes, lunches and the departure and return for the bus tours will be at the Hilton-Doubletree Hotel. Meals included: Breakfast (for those staying at the Doubletree) and all lunches. Dinner on Tuesday and Wednesday night on your own.

Contact Mendy Putman, Conference Coordinator

719-651-2125

mputman@swprti.org

PPMA CURRICULUM

YEAR 1

Year 1 establishes a baseline of understanding the fundamentals of park maintenance, design and resource management through a broad spectrum of topics. Year 1 offers 1.5 CEUs.

Year 1 topics:

  • ADA Requirements and Elements of Playground Design
  • Understanding Irrigation Hydraulics and Design
  • Understanding GIS Systems
  • Athletic Field Maintenance – Best Practices and New Ideas
  • Principles of Using Maintenance Contracts
  • Aboriculture 101
  • Principles of Park Planning and Design Practicum

Field study destinations include:

  • Turf! Turf! Turf! – A Tour of the Aurora Sports Park, Aurora CO
  • Snowboarding to Mountain Biking – Ruby Hill Park is Amazing!, Denver CO
  • THINK BIG! Planning and Development of Legacy Park Projects: A tour of Phillip S. Miller Adventure Park and Festival Park, Castle Rock, CO
YEAR 1 Registration

YEAR 2

Year 2 dives deeper into advanced subject material designed to build upon the foundation established in Year 1.  Year 2 offers 1.5 CEUs.

Year 2 topics:

  • Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plans: Understanding this Fundamental Element of Park Planning
  • Irrigation Principles for Water Conservation
  • Best Practices for Chemical Applications
  • Risk Management
  • Customer Service: Dealing with the Public in the Moment
  • Tree and Hazard Assessment
  • Where Champions Play – What it Takes to Design the Ultimate Sports Complex.  A 3 hour practicum workshop.

Field study destinations:

  • Westminster Station Nature Play Park – How it Got Done!, Westminster, CO
  • Clear Creek Valley Park – Redo!, Hyland Hills Park District
  • Nature Up and Close and Personal – South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center, Littleton, CO
  • Next Level ADA Playground, Clement Park, Littleton, CO
YEAR 2 Registration

GRADUATE INSTITUTE

Graduate Institute is a new and different curriculum of classes every other year.  This offers the opportunity for any previous graduate of Year 2 to return and learn more. 2026 the Graduate Year is back and currently under construction with a committee of PPMA graduates developing the class topics and finding instructors.  Check back to see the final list of classes for this year as the committee is currently working on them.

GRADUATE Registration

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Know Before you Go:

Discounted Reservations Available until: 7/13/2026

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.

Airport Shuttle Service Available: 6a – 10pm daily

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

Hot Breakfast Buffet included in rate for 2 guests per room

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 Park Planning and Maintenance Academy will be conducted at the Hilton DoubleTree Denver-Aurora at Iliff Ave. and Interstate 225.

Airport Shuttle offered by the Doubletree only!  Please read, print and take with you on your trip if you are staying onsite!

Call the Doubletree a week prior to your arrival to check  their shuttle schedule.

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

  • Call the hotel at 303-337-2800 and reach the front desk to let us know you have arrived. Please give us your name and phone number and we will let you know when the next shuttle will be there to pick you up.
  • After collecting your luggage, head over to East Baggage Claim, Level 5 ,and find Door 505. Then, make your way over to the 3rd island outside of the doors where it says “HOTELS”
  • Once our shuttle arrives, make sure the driver is heading towards the DoubleTree Denver Aurora and hop on aboard!

Airport Drop Off:

  • Upon check in, we are happy to arrange a shuttle departure time with you. Be sure to sign up in advance, so we can ensure we have space for you and we don’t leave without you!
  • We will drop you off at the East Terminal, Level 5, Door 505, at the 3rd island (where we picked you up!)

Please note:

  • Space is limited on our shuttle, so please make sure you speak with our team for pick ups and drop offs in order to ensure a seat.
  • Our shuttle is available during specific times. Please speak with our agents to learn more!
  • DIA is approximately 20-40 minutes from our hotel, depending on traffic.
  • SuperShuttle is available at $22.00/per person/one way. Their phone number is 303-370-1300 or visit SuperShuttle.com
  • Taxi services, including Uber and Lyft, are also available.

Thank You to Our PPMA Sponsors

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.

REGISTRATION

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.


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