5th Annual

Parks Maintenance Institute

January 23 & 24, 2019
Saluda Shoals Park, Irmo
Hosted by the SC Recreation and Parks Association
Parks & Resource Management Branch (PRM)

Join your fellow parks and maintenance professionals from across the state at the 2019 SCRPA Parks Maintenance Institute! This 2-day professional development program is designed exclusively for all park maintenance staff in SC. Sponsored in Part by RainBird.

Program Schedule

January 23, 2019

Registration – 12:30-1:00

Education Session 1 1:00-2:00 Thank You for Being Here! Customer Service Training 
Kim Benson, ReSolve              

That’s what park visitors are thinking when you assist them, and it’s what you need to keep in mind when interacting with them.  Learn more about what visitors are thinking and the important role you play in making your park an awesome experience for everyone.

Education Session 2 2:10-3:10 Electricity in Our Parks 101

Billy Blevins, Maintenance Specialist II, Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission
Learn the basics of two and three phase electrical systems.

Education Session 3 3:20-5:20 Maintenance Rodeo & Small Equipment Maintenance
Show off your skills with maintenance equipment to complete a variety of challenges. We will also have a workshop on preventative and routine maintenance of small equipment.   

Dinner Approximately 5:30–6:30

Hotel Check-In/Social 6:30

Hampton Inn
101 Woodcross Drive
Columbia, SC  29212

January 24, 2019

Breakfast @ hotel – 7:00-7:45

Education Session Block 1 8:00-9:00
A. Emerald Ash Borer Integrated Pest Management  – Vicky Bertagnolli, Clemson Extension Agent, Aiken County
Learn about how to identify Emerald Ash Borer and options for management (1 pesticide credit)

B. Saving Money with Water Management – Steven Pugh, Water Conservation Manager, Rain Bird Corporation
“Water is cheap and plentiful; I don’t care about conserving water. I want to go out to dinner with my wife and kids. I want that new   truck / car. I need a raise… not a way to give back to my employer / customer!”

Education Session Block 2 9:10-10:10
A. Sports Turf Maintenance: When to Perform Tasks -  Jackie Jordan, Clemson Extension
How to determine the appropriate time to perform a variety of tasks to improve your sports turf. (1 pesticide credit)

B. Softball / Baseball Infield Maintenance – John Ferguson, Profile Products 
Learn about techniques, equipment and products that lead to top notch baseball and softball infields.  

Break 10:10-10:25

Education Session 3 10:25-11:40 Active Shooter Training

Wayne Freeman, Senior Special Agent, SLED Homeland Security

Education Session 4 11:50-12:40 Closing Keynote Speaker

Mike Limpach, East Regional Sales Manager, MUSCO Sports Lighting, LLC

Parks and Resource Maintenance Staff are critical to the success of their agencies. Listen as a former Parks and Recreation Director (St. Louis, Missouri) shares his perspective.          

Lunch (Provided) – 12:40-1:10