Get ready for a day of practical ideas, innovative technology, and hands-on learning at the KRPA Facility Maintenance Workshop. Learn from parks and recreation professionals as they share best practices for sports field maintenance and explore how robotic equipment is transforming the way agencies maintain parks and facilities. The morning will feature educational sessions, followed by an afternoon of outdoor demonstrations and facility tours at Manhattan Parks and Recreation, including a visit to the newly renovated Cico Park.
DATE: October 27, 2026 | 9:00 AM- 3:30 PM
LOCATION: Manhattan, Kansas
REGISTER HERE
PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE:
9:00–9:30 AM Check-In & Registration
Location for Morning Activity and Check-in: Manhattan's Joint Maintenance Facility
9:30–10:30 AM Session I: Sports Field Preparation: Building a Game-Ready Surface
Presented by Roy Anderson, Athletic Field Maintenance Crew Leader, Manhattan Parks & Recreation
Go behind the scenes of athletic field maintenance as Roy shares the training every new member of Manhattan Parks & Recreation's Athletic Field Maintenance team receives. Learn proper field setup techniques, routine maintenance practices, and the details that help create safe, high-quality playing surfaces.
10:30–10:45 AM Break
10:45–11:45 AM Session II: Innovation in Maintenance Operations
Presented by Casey Smithson & Kelly Meis, Manhattan Parks & Recreation
Discover how emerging technology is transforming park maintenance. This session will showcase robotic mowing equipment and paint striping technology while exploring how these tools improve efficiency, support staff, and advance innovation within a maintenance operation.
11:45 AM–12:30 PM Lunch & Equipment Showcase
Enjoy lunch while exploring a variety of maintenance equipment on display. This year's showcase will feature forestry equipment and other tools of interest identified by KRPA Facility Maintenance professionals, providing an opportunity to visit with vendors and see equipment up close.
12:30–3:30 PM Facility & Park Tour Experience
Locations: JMF Maintenance Facility • CiCo Park • Anneberg Park
Wrap up the day with guided tours of Manhattan Parks & Recreation's maintenance operations and park facilities. Participants will visit the JMF Maintenance Facility and explore CiCo Park and Anneberg Park, with a special focus on how innovation, technology, and thoughtful design are incorporated into daily maintenance practices and long-term park management.
Sponsored by:
