2025 Park Management Institute
Annual Park Management Institute
Thursday, January 16, 2025
at
8:00 AM (EST)
to Friday, January 17, 2025 at 12:30 PM (EST)
JANUARY 16 & 17 in MANATEE COUNTY
Want to sponsor this event? Register online using the "Register Now" button >>>>
Download the Brochure
The management of parks and other public areas by trained professionals is perhaps the first line of defense in the protection of these spaces and the appropriate use of them. FRPA’s Park Management Institute is a learning journey designed for those responsible at the mid-senior level leadership in the parks field. Each year features sessions that are particular to that area of the state so attendees can enjoy a variety of topics year after year.
Check out the agenda in the AGENDA tab above.
Registration Options
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Registration Options
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Price |
|---|---|
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Vendor Sponsor
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$325.00 |
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Additional Lunch Ticket
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$25.00 |
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Presenting Sponsor
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$750.00 |
Agenda
| January 16 | |
| 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM |
Registration and Breakfast
Check in, get name badge, eat some breakfast! |
| 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM | Welcome & Announcements |
| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Managing Florida’s Natural Areas Big and Small
Meghan Meyer and Brian Lutz, Sarasota Co Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Learn about the various tools in the toolbox for managing natural areas in Florida. The vast array of park sizes and habitats can make choosing which tool or set of tools to use a bit challenging. Cost, time, ecological benefit, and the impacts to the park visitor experience will be reviewed. |
| 10:05 AM - 11:05 AM |
Ways to be more efficient in Park Maintenance
David Shurmur, Parks and Grounds Operation Manager, Manatee Co Parks Property Management Carmine DeMilio – Deputy Director Property Management, Manatee Co Parks Property Management This class will go over ways to be more efficient in the way you manage parks in a county setting. To be covered is robotic field painting, field conditioners on baseball fields, converting to LED Sports field lighting, and more. |
| 11:10 AM - 12:10 PM |
Friend or Foe? Navigating Native vs. Invasive Vegetation
Carrie Dill, Environmental Specialist, Sarasota Co Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Nathalie Smith, Environmental Specialist, Sarasota Co Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources This session explores the significance of native and invasive vegetation in local parks and preserves. Participants will gain knowledge and tools that promote ecosystem restoration in natural areas. |
| 12:10 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
Premier Sports Campus Tour
Angela Donofrio, Bradenton Area CVB Mitch Conner, CVP, Interim General Manager, Bradenton Area CVB Premier Sports Campus is equipped with 23 FIFA regulation fields and a stadium with 3,000+ seats. Each field is comprised of laser-leveled Celebration-seeded Bermuda grass, which has excellent wear tolerance and is the preferred surface by FIFA and all major sporting organizations. |
| 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM |
Brain Break
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| 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM |
Utilizing Technology for Post Disaster Event Management
Teri Stabler, Contracts and Procurement Liaison, Sarasota Co Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Shelia Roberson, Business Operations Manager, Sarasota Co Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Participants will learn how to leverage Smartsheet technology for effective project planning, real-time collaboration, and efficient data management, ultimately fostering a more resilient recovery process in affected communities |
| 3:20 PM - 4:20 PM |
Hurricane Hunker Down and Recovery
Jonathan Poyner, Sarasota Co Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources With climate change, sea-level rise, and fierce storms ever increasing, eco-anxiety is now a real thing. Come discover ways to remain calm through the storms, recover with resilience, and plan for the future of coastal ecosystems. |
| 4:20 PM - 4:30 PM |
Wrap Up
We'll wrap up the day and talk through the next day. |
| January 17 | |
| 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM | Sign in and Breakfast |
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM |
What the Tech!
Greg Brown, Parks and Athletics Manager, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Hear the story of how the County transitioned to technology to provide better care of the parks system. Look, touch, and learn the technology and learn from industry technology pros. |
| 9:05 AM - 10:05 AM |
Fixing Florida’s Largest Sports Field System
Greg Brown, Parks and Athletics Manager, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Hear the story of how Hillsborough County transitioned from league-led and controlled field care to County care and Bermuda Grass on their 250 sports fields. |
| 10:05 AM - 10:15 AM | Brain Break |
| 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM |
Drones and Resources for Diagnostics
Michelle Atkinson, Extension Agent II, Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida IFAS Extension, Manatee County Natural Resources Department, Agriculture & Extension Service Division Get introduced to digital tools and databases available for identifying pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies in plants. Learn the benefits of drones for quick, non-invasive diagnostics and precision monitoring of large landscapes. |
| 11:20 AM - 12:20 PM |
Herbicide Applications in Parks
Caitlin Sollazzo, Commercial Horticulture Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Herbicide applications in parks involve safely selecting, mixing, and applying chemical agents to effectively manage unwanted vegetation while preserving desirable plants. This session will cover best practices for timing applications to achieve optimal control with minimal environmental impact. |
| 12:20 PM - 12:30 PM |
Wrap up and certificates
CEU Certificates presented and snacks for the road! |
Hotel information for overnight accommodations
Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson
Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch
5610 Manor Hill Lane, Bradenton, FL 34203, USA
p: +1 (941) 363-4000
$209.00 per night
Present tax-exempt form at check in if no taxes should be charged. Rooming block will be available until December 23, 2024.
https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/IJ94V1
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
