Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute

One of the themes we’ve talked about throughout this conference is people — because nothing we do in parks and recreation happens without a great team.

We want to take a moment to say thank you to the incredible lodging staff, service teams, and partners who helped host the Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute. Your hospitality, professionalism, and behind-the-scenes support made this week a success.

A special thank you to:
• Keith Dunnam, Park Manager
• Jo Reese, Lodge Manager
• Ashley Lamb, Assistant Lodge Manager
• Patti Walls, Events & Customer Service Manager
• Rene Keck, Sales Coordinator
• Courtney Neal, Naturalist II
• Betony Miller, Group Reservations

OSP Regional Managers
• Tony Presley (SE Region)
• Bobby Braly (NE Region)
• Barry Hardaway (West Region)

Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department
• Amy Blackburn, Executive Director
• Forrest McMurray, Chief Operating Officer

And to everyone else who supported this event behind the scenes — including housekeeping, grounds, operations, facilities, food service, logistics, and administration — thank you. Your work matters, and this Institute would not be possible without you. 👏🌿

🌟 Day 2 Highlights at the Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute 🌟

What a great day of learning and connection!
✔️ An awesome opening from Dr. Chuck Jackson
✔️ Engaging, high-quality education sessions
✔️ An evening hike through Sequoyah’s beautiful park
✔️ Followed by a fantastic auction — with more entertainment still to come!

Looking forward to another great day at ! 🌲✨

🌟 Sunday Recap | Southwest Park & Recreation Training Institute

Sunday kicked off a great week at the Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute!

We welcomed attendees during New Member Orientation, celebrated achievements at Brag Night, and honored 70 years of SWPRTI with a special 70th Anniversary Celebration featuring history highlights, trivia, and live music to close out the night.

🎉 A strong start to the week!

📚Day 1 classes begin today!
📲 Please remember to complete your session evaluations in the YAPP app or by scanning the QR code on the back of your name badge.

Let’s keep it going! 🌳

🎉 Celebrating 70 Years of SWPRTI 🎉

For 70 years, the Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute has brought professionals together to learn, lead, and grow—building a legacy of collaboration, education, and service across the region. From its beginnings in 1956 to today, SWPRTI continues to strengthen our profession through connection and shared purpose.

📖 Want to learn more? Be sure to check out the History section in the app to explore the story, milestones, and people that shaped SWPRTI over the past seven decades.

✨ Join us as we celebrate this milestone! ✨
📅 70th Anniversary Party
🕟 Sunday, February 1 | 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 Sequoyah Room
🍹 Cash bar available

Whether you’re a longtime attendee or new to the Institute, come raise a glass and celebrate 70 years of impact, friendships, and memories. Let’s honor the past and toast to the future! 🥂

🌟 Don’t Forget: Brag Night is TONIGHT! 🌟

Have a project, program, or idea you’re proud of? This is your moment to brag a little!

🗓 When: Sunday evening, following dinner
📍 Where: Cedar Room
🥤 Refreshments provided

Brag Night is a SWPTRI favorite—an informal, high-energy evening where attendees share innovative programs, creative projects, and initiatives they’re excited about with peers from across the region.

🎤 Presentation Categories Include:
• Creative Projects (5–10 min)
• Innovative Programs (5–15 min)
• PSA / Promotional Initiatives (1–10 min)

🏆 Presentations will be judged by a committee, with TOMA Awards presented at Tuesday’s Annual Banquet—including the Traveling TOMA Trophy!

👉 Reminder: Participants must pre-register at the Conference Registration Table.

Bring your slides, videos, or just your passion—and come celebrate the great work happening across parks and recreation! 💚

🌟 Welcome to the 70th Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute! 🌳

We’re excited to welcome you February 1–4, 2026, at Sequoyah State Park. Get ready for a few incredible days of learning, networking, and sharpening your skills alongside parks and recreation professionals from across the region.

Conference App: 📱
Download the “YAPP” app for essential updates, schedules, and announcements:
🔗 https://my.yapp.us/SWPTRI

Stay Connected: 🤝
Follow along and share your experience on social media using .

We’re looking forward to an amazing experience together—see you at Sequoyah! 🌲✨

🌿 Did You Know? 🌿
The Park Planning and Maintenance Academy (PPMA) is an extension of the Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute (SWPRTI)!

PPMA is a two-year professional development program designed for park maintenance and planning professionals who want to strengthen skills and advance their careers.

🔧 What to Expect:
• Year 1: Park planning practicum
• Year 2: Sports complex planning practicum
• Courses in arboriculture, irrigation, risk management, customer service, water conservation, and more
• On-site tours highlighting best practices from other park systems

🏙️ PPMA encourages municipalities to send both planning and maintenance staff to improve collaboration and long-term park success.

🎓 Graduate courses are offered every other year for PPMA alumni.

📍 Join us in Colorado this August!

📞 Contact: Mendy Putman | 719-651-2125
Park Planning and Maintenance Academy
Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute

🌟 Building Better Park Professionals 🌟

🎉 The 70th Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute is almost HERE! 🎉

Get the most out of your SWPRTI conference experience by downloading the official SWPRTI YAPP—your go-to guide for everything happening throughout the week.

📱 The SWPRTI YAPP puts it all at your fingertips:
✔️ Full program schedule & session details
✔️ Entertainment & evening events
✔️ Brag Night information
✔️ Conference updates & announcements
✔️ Locations, maps, and key reminders

👉 Download the YAPP here:
🔗 https://my.yapp.us/SWPTRI

Also, to stay connected before, during, and after the conference, be sure to follow us on Facebook:
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/swprti

Whether you’re planning your day, finding tonight’s event, or cheering on your peers at Brag Night, the SWPRTI YAPP makes navigating the conference simple and seamless.

📲 Don’t miss out—download it today and get ready for an unforgettable 70th anniversary!

🌿 That’s a Wrap on SWPRTI! 🌿

What an incredible week at the Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute! From insightful sessions to hands-on learning and networking with some of the best in the industry, this event was a true celebration of parks and recreation.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, shared knowledge, and contributed to making this year’s conference such a success! Your passion and dedication to parks and communities inspire us all.

📸 Relive the Moments! Check out the conference highlights and candid shots on our Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC1p6q

We can’t wait to see you all next year! Until then, let’s keep growing, learning, and building vibrant spaces for our communities.

🌿 Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors & Vendors!

We’re sending a big shoutout to all the amazing sponsors and vendors who are supporting the Southwest Park and Recreation Training Institute!

Your contributions help make this event a success, and we truly appreciate your commitment to parks, recreation, and community engagement.

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor: Four Brothers Outdoor Power | Mowpart.com
👏 Gold Sponsor: The PlayWell Group, Inc.
👏 Silver Sponsors: Kraftsman Commercial Playgrounds & Water Parks & Turf 2 Max

And a big thank you to all the fantastic vendors who are showcasing innovative products and services to help us create better parks and spaces for our communities!

Vendor Spotlight:
✅ ABcreative
✅ Champlin Tire Recycling
✅ CorWorth / Restroom Facilities Ltd
✅ FourBrothers Outdoor Power Royse City
✅ Greenworks Commercial
✅ Kraftsman Commercial Playgrounds & Water Parks
✅ Minick Materials
✅ Paddock Enterprises
✅ The PlayWell Group, Inc.
✅ Professional Turf Products
✅ Shuterra
✅ Turf 2 Max

Drop by, say hello, and check out all they have to offer. Let’s keep building stronger, greener, and more vibrant parks together! 🌳✨

The countdown is on! Our Fun Run kicks off at 5:30 PM, and the weather couldn’t be better. 🌞

🏃‍♂️ Whether you’re running, hiking, or just soaking in the scenery, we’d love to see your views from Quartz Mountain State Park!

Snap some pics and tag the agency you’re part of. Let’s share the beauty of the park together! 📸🌿