INDUSTRY NEWS

Campey Turf Care Systems welcomed more than 400 turf professionals, customers and industry partners to its Bosley branch in Cheshire UK on July 9 for an event celebrating the company’ s 40th anniversary.

The milestone event brought together people from throughout the turf industry to recognize four decades of innovation, education and partnership. The theme throughout the day was“ Past, Present and Future,” highlighted with a replica of the famous DeLorean from“ Back to the Future,” representing a peek at the past, present and future of turf care. The event also featured examples of historical equipment alongside current machinery and a glimpse into Campey’ s next chapter with the development of the Bosley site a particularly fitting setting for the celebration.

Opened in 2022, the branch represented a significant investment in the company’ s future, providing additional showroom, machinery and stock capacity while supporting its expansion into agriculture, horticulture and professional landscaping. Located approximately 15 minutes from Campey’ s original headquarters in Marton, Bosley has become central to that expansion.

The scale and versatility of the site provided an ideal setting for live machinery demonstrations. Visitors were able to see Campey’ s extensive portfolio in action, including the Air2G2, Dakota spreaders and equipment from key manufacturing partners Imants and Vredo.

Over the past 40 years, the company has worked alongside manufacturers, grounds professionals and greenkeepers to identify and introduce machinery that has helped advance the construction, renovation and maintenance of natural sports surfaces.

A program of technical presentations complemented the live demonstrations. Campey Export Sales Manager Nick Brown shared lessons and opportunities from the company’ s international work, while Stuart Yarwood of DLF examined the 40-year evolution of modern sports turf. Paul Lowe of Aquatrols discussed surfactant technology; Kelly-Marie Clack of Origin Amenity Solutions focused on growing-in sports turf surfaces; and Alan Thomson of SIS Pitches explored the past, present and future of hybrid pitches.

Away from the demonstrations and presentations, the relaxed atmosphere gave guests time to reconnect with colleagues and celebrate relationships formed across Campey’ s four decades in the industry. Food and refreshments were provided throughout the day as customers, partners and friends marked the milestone together.

Organizations from throughout the sector also exhibited during the day, including the GMA, BIGGA, Origin Amenity Solutions, BAGMA, Aquatrols, DLF, Makita, Granit, Trimax, Howardson Group, and Staffordshire Football Association. Their presence, alongside Campey’ s customers, suppliers and manufacturing partners, reflected the collaborative ethos that has underpinned the company’ s success.

“ I have been incredibly fortunate to have worked with so many talented people, loyal customers and trusted partners who have all played a part in this journey,” said Campey Chairman Richard Campey.“ Together, we have seen tremendous change in our industry, and it has been a privilege to contribute to that progress. As we celebrate this milestone, my thanks go to everyone who has supported Campey along the way. The future of turf care is bright, and I am excited to see the next generation continue to innovate, educate and push boundaries.”

SFMA CEO Paula Sliefert is among the 2026 Class of American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration( AAPRA) Fellows.

Founded in 1980, AAPRA advances excellence in the administration of parks, recreation and conservation through leadership, research, education, mentoring and public service. The academy promotes innovation, supports scholarly research, recognizes exemplary leadership, and serves as a trusted voice on issues that shape the future of the profession.

“ The academy is honored to welcome the Class of 2026,” said AAPRA President Elizabeth S. Kessler, executive director, McHenry County( IL) Conservation District.“ This distinguished class represents exceptional leadership, innovation, and service from across the country. The collective experience, commitment to public service, and passion for improving communities through parks, recreation and conservation will strengthen the academy in achieving its vision and help inspire the next generation of leaders.”

The 2026 Class will be formally inducted during the AAPRA Annual Networking Reception and Awards Dinner on September 30, 2026, held in conjunction with the 2026 National Recreation and Park Association( NRPA) Conference in Philadelphia. The 2026 Class of AAPRA Fellows: Practitioner / Professional Fellows Melissa Battite, CPRP( Director of Recreation and Community Programs; Town of

Lexington; Lexington, MA) Daniel Betts( Director of Recreation; Cincinnati Recreation Commission; Cincinnati, OH) Chase Ellis, CPRE( Director of Parks and Recreation; Town of Trophy Club; Trophy

Club, TX) Douglas Guild, CPRE( Director of Parks and Recreation; City of North Las Vegas;

North Las Vegas, NV) Debbie McLaughlin, CPRE( Parks and Recreation Director; City of Upper Arlington;

Upper Arlington, OH) Shane Mize, CPRP( Parks and Recreation Director; City of Pflugerville; Pflugerville, TX) Benjamin Page( Director of Parks and Recreation; City of Des Moines; Des Moines, IA) Karen G. Palus, CPRP( President and Owner; KDP Consulting Services, LLC; Colorado Springs, CO) Scott Pratt, CPRP( Chief of Community and Employment Engagement; Michigan

Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division; Novi, MI) Chris Stice, CPRP( Director; Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department;

Noblesville, IN) Joseph A. Stout( Executive Director / CEO; Westchester Parks Foundation; Mt. Kisco, NY) Keith Wallace, CPRP( Executive Director; Lincolnway Special Recreation Association; Frankfort, IL)

Educator Fellows Jason Bocarro, Ph. D.( Owens-Shelton Distinguished Professor of Leadership with a Global Perspective; North Carolina State University; Raleigh, NC) Brian Hill, Ph. D.( Professor, Experience Design and Management; Brigham Young

University; Provo, UT)

Lori Irwin, Ed. D., CPRP( Associate Professor and Program Director, Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services / Event and Recreation Management; Central Michigan University; Mount Pleasant, MI)

Nathan A. Schaumleffel, Ph. D., CPRE, CFRE, ACNP, CFRM, CVA, CYSA( Associate Professor and Program Director, Public Lands, Recreation Administration and Nonprofit Leadership; Indiana State University; Terre Haute, IN)

Keri Schwab, Ph. D.( Professor, Experience Industry Management Department; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA)

Sonja Wilhelm Stanis, Ph. D.( Professor, Associate Director of the School of Natural Resources and Director of Undergraduate Studies; University of Missouri; Columbus, MO)

Advocate Fellows – Inaugural Class Neelay Bhatt( Founder and CEO; Next Practice Partners; Carmel, IN) Doug Grove( Managing Partner and Principal Landscape Architect; RHA Community Works; Riverside, CA) Pat Hoagland( Vice President / Principal; Brandstetter Carroll Inc.; Lexington, KY) Lori Hoffner( Speaker, Trainer and Consultant; Supporting CommUnity, Inc.; Littleton, CO) Teresa L. Penbrooke, Ph. D.( Director, Heron’ s Haunt, LLC; Morehead City, NC) Paula Sliefert( Chief Executive Officer; Sports Field Management Association and

Professional Football Field Managers Alliance; Lawrence, KS)

Urban Director Fellows Stephen Bentley, CPRP( Director, Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources

Department; Raleigh, NC) Jane Rudolph( Director; Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation;

Arlington, VA)