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ontario parks association

Protecting Tomorrow Today®

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Calendar of Events

Click here to see the full list of courses OPA offers.

 

For your convenience and to help stretch your budget dollars, OPA will bring any of the courses listed here to your municipality or organization. We encourage you to let us know if you are interested even if you can only send one or two staff. We will combine your training with neighbouring organizations. Not only will this provide valuable training, but also foster and facilitate communication and experience sharing among your local and neighboring organizations. Call today to register and we will assist you through the process. 


Please click here to view OPA’s Registration Policies including:

  • Cancellation / Substitution and Transfer Policy
  • Privacy Statement
  • Waiver / Disclaimer

Upcoming events

  • Sports Turf Maintenance

    • 21 Mar 2023
    • 9:00 AM
    • 22 Mar 2023
    • 12:30 PM
    • Online
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Ken Pavely is our sports turf expert, with 4 decades of experience in the industry, and will be leading this workshop online. Sports turf, like soccer fields, golf courses and baseball diamonds, are difficult to maintain, especially with new standards, growing populations and changing weather patterns to consider heading into 2021. This course is designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to keep them in excellent condition.


    This course will cover: 

    • Challenges, Issues & Trends

    • Benefits of Grass & Sports Turf

    • Soil Types, Functions & Drainage

    • Characteristics & Selection of Grasses

    • Fertilizers & Nutrient Management

    • Cultural & Maintenance Best Practices

    • Plant Health Care & Integrated Pest Management

    • Irrigation & Water Management

    • Overview of Common Sports Facilities

    • Weather & Outdoor Sports

    • Risk Management

    • Equipment Maintenance


    OPA is excited to offer this course online, as a 2 day webinar series! Day 1 will run from 9:00am-12:00pm, and Day 2 will run from 9:00am-12:30pm, allowing 30 minutes at the end of the workshop for you to complete a 30 minute test.


    DATE: March 21 & 22, 2023

    Day 1 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

    Day 2 - 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM to allow for a 30 minute test at the end of the course.

    LOCATION: Online - Webex (no account or download required)


    COURSE COST

    OPA Member: $255.00

    OPA Potential Member: $356.00


    Special bonus for OPA members:

    Included for OPA members, is Ken’s follow up to provide one-on-one time providing email or phone consulting for your turf related issues.


    This course counts as 1 credit towards the Parks Practitioner Designation.


    Register above online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).

    Click here to read our registration policies.

    Show details

  • Registered Playground Practitioner Program

    • 27 Mar 2023
    • 8:00 AM
    • 31 Mar 2023
    • 5:00 PM
    • Riverview Park and Zoo - 1230 Water Street, Peterborough ON K9H 6Z5
    • 1
    Register

    Event Details:

    Ontario Parks Association (OPA) has developed the Registered Playground Practitioner Program to meet the needs of those involved and responsible for the hands-on inspections and maintenance of public playspaces and playground facilities.

    Safe Play - A High Priority

    Ontario Parks Association places a high priority and commitment on the provision of safe play structures in our public spaces. We want to help ensure that they are safe and accessible. OPA also emphasizes the strong need to educate caregivers, supervisors and others about the benefits of positive and safe play experiences for our children.

     

    What You Will Learn

    Attending this course will teach you about significantly lowering the risk of injuries in play areas by providing a safe outdoor learning experience for all. This course uses the CAN/CSA-Z614-20, Children's Playspaces and Equipment, as a base document for the three independent sections of the course. Ontario Parks Association instructors include experts from the industry including an architect, liability expert, lawyer, representative of the CSA Standards Association and others to give in-depth training on the following topics and includes an on-site demonstration at a local playground structure:


    Playspace Strategies Playspace Evaluation Playspace Management
    space requirements playvalue and hazard identification liability and insurance
    playability inspection and maintenance due diligence
    access/egress requirements surfacing evaluation contractual obligations
    playspace design record keeping risk management
    age appropriate issues CSA overview owner/operator responsibilities
    playspace materials corrective actions employee/manager responsibilities
    playspace construction   playvalue and practical choices


    Upon completion of the program and achievement of a passing grade in the written examination(s) the participant will be registered by Ontario Parks Association as a "Playground Practitioner" and is qualified to inspect playgrounds.

     

    OPA Registered Playground Practitioner Program is recognized as a playground safety course for inspectors by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.


    Attendees are required to purchase a copy of the NEW CSA Z614 - 20 Standard. The test at the end of the course is open book so attendees will need their own copy (sharing books is not permitted). Attendees can choose to either use the PDF version and bring it on their tablet or other electronic device (so long as they can turn off the use of internet / text messaging for the test as any use of outside sources is considered cheating and will not receive a passing grade) or the hard copy of the book. Books can be purchased at the CSA Online Shop.


    PLEASE NOTE: meals are not provided at this training session. Attendees will be required to bring their own lunch, coffee and snacks.

    Click here to read our Registration Policies



      DATE: March 27 - March 31, 2022

      TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

      LOCATION: 1230 Water Street, Peterborough ON K9H 6Z5


      COURSE COST

      OPA Member: $1,358.00

      OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00


      Register above online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).


      Click here to read our registration policies.

      Show details

    • Park Encampments: Outreach & Response - One Day Workshop -

      • 30 Mar 2023
      • 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
      • Victoria Rd Rec Centre, Oak Room 151 Victoria Road North Guelph, Ontario, N1E 5H5
      • 5
      Register

      OPA is happy to announce that, in partnership with the City of Toronto, we are able to introduce our Parks Encampments: Outreach & Response One Day Workshop to our members.

      Park Encampments:  Outreach and Response is a full day workshop designed to provide information to Parks and municipal staff dealing with encampments; exploring best practices, safe operating procedures and sharing experiences.  The workshop will provide an overview on understanding the scope of this complex issue, contributing factors to homelessness and the need for creating a coordinated response team.  Participants will learn about tools to track encampments, provide outreach and engage with clients.  The workshop focuses on staff roles and responsibilities, best practices in staff training for both hard and soft skills and shares information about tools and equipment needed to work on all types of terrain and park areas.  This course also covers strategic thinking and innovative ideas as well as ideas to keep parks spaces open, safe and accessible for all.  This workshop encourages information and idea sharing, as well as group discussion around shared concerns to help all participants gain a deeper understanding of how to offer outreach and respond to encampments in public greenspace.

      Running March 30, 2023 from 8 AM to 3:30 PM, this one day workshop will provide attendees with information on best practices for interacting with and handling encampments in our public parks. This course will be structured as a combination of seminar presentation and open discussion. We look forward to opening up a conversation with attendees on this sensitive and highly relevant topic, and discussing solutions to your municipality’s concerns.

      If you are interested, please don’t hesitate to sign up, as spots will be limited.


      Show details

    • Horticultural Therapy Workshop

      • 04 Apr 2023
      • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      • Webex - Online
      • 24
      Register

      OPA is excited to announce the new Horticultural Therapy Workshop. This course is offered online from 9am to 12pm.

      "Mutual Support: The Bridging of Horticultural Therapy and Green Spaces to Build Communal Health

      Research has shown that spending time in nature is beneficial for both our bodies and our minds, and has the capacity to reduce stress, lower anxiety and encourage mental and emotional well-being. Join Horticultural Therapy Practitioner Guinevere Kern for a ½ day workshop that explores the multifaceted ways in which horticulture can support health and wellness, how this can inform engagement in green spaces, and why this matters to protecting tomorrow, today.

      Topics that will be covered will include: 

      - what is horticultural therapy

      - current research supporting the therapeutic application of horticulture

      - relevancy to pressing issues of today

      - applications for green professions to support human health and well being


      If you would like to register for this exciting new workshop, please click here

      *



      Show details

    • Practical Ball Field Clinic - Wallaceburg

      • 19 Apr 2023
      • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
      • Wallaceburg Memorial Arena 600 Wall st, Wallaceburg Ontario
      • 1
      Register

      Ball field's require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and in a safe condition for public use. This program will teach you how to maintain every aspect of your ball field, from home plate to infield through practical hands-on experiences. 


      Through this workshop you will be learning and practicing:

      • Safety issues and best practices
      • Equipment requirements
      • Home plate maintenance
      • Mound maintenance
      • Edge and lip maintenance
      • Infield grooming


      This course is hands-on and will be conducted outdoors, so proper PPE is mandatory (appropriate outdoor work clothes, steel toed boots, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection etc...).

        DATE: April 19th, 2023

        TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

        LOCATION: Wallaceburg Memorial Arena 600 Wall Street, Wallaceburg Ontario

        COURSE COST
        OPA Member Price: $265.00
        Potential Member Price: $370.00

        *Please note that lunch will not be provided at this training. We encourage you to bring a bagged lunch and water bottle for this session.

        This course counts as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.


        Click here to read our registration policies.


        Show details

      • Registered Playground Practitioner Program

        • 24 Apr 2023
        • 8:00 AM
        • 28 Apr 2023
        • 5:00 PM
        • MacBain Centre - 7150 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 3N3
        • 0
        Join waitlist

        Event Details:

        Ontario Parks Association (OPA) has developed the Registered Playground Practitioner Program to meet the needs of those involved and responsible for the hands-on inspections and maintenance of public playspaces and playground facilities.

        Safe Play - A High Priority

        Ontario Parks Association places a high priority and commitment on the provision of safe play structures in our public spaces. We want to help ensure that they are safe and accessible. OPA also emphasizes the strong need to educate caregivers, supervisors and others about the benefits of positive and safe play experiences for our children.

         

        What You Will Learn

        Attending this course will teach you about significantly lowering the risk of injuries in play areas by providing a safe outdoor learning experience for all. This course uses the CAN/CSA-Z614-20, Children's Playspaces and Equipment, as a base document for the three independent sections of the course. Ontario Parks Association instructors include experts from the industry including an architect, liability expert, lawyer, representative of the CSA Standards Association and others to give in-depth training on the following topics and includes an on-site demonstration at a local playground structure:


        Playspace Strategies Playspace Evaluation Playspace Management
        space requirements playvalue and hazard identification liability and insurance
        playability inspection and maintenance due diligence
        access/egress requirements surfacing evaluation contractual obligations
        playspace design record keeping risk management
        age appropriate issues CSA overview owner/operator responsibilities
        playspace materials corrective actions employee/manager responsibilities
        playspace construction   playvalue and practical choices


        Upon completion of the program and achievement of a passing grade in the written examination(s) the participant will be registered by Ontario Parks Association as a "Playground Practitioner" and is qualified to inspect playgrounds.

         

        OPA Registered Playground Practitioner Program is recognized as a playground safety course for inspectors by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.


        Attendees are required to purchase a copy of the NEW CSA Z614 - 20 Standard. The test at the end of the course is open book so attendees will need their own copy (sharing books is not permitted). Attendees can choose to either use the PDF version and bring it on their tablet or other electronic device (so long as they can turn off the use of internet / text messaging for the test as any use of outside sources is considered cheating and will not receive a passing grade) or the hard copy of the book. Books can be purchased at the CSA Online Shop.


        PLEASE NOTE: meals are not provided at this training session. Attendees will be required to bring their own lunch, coffee and snacks.

        Click here to read our Registration Policies





          DATE: April 24-28, 2022

          TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

          LOCATION: MacBain Centre - 7150 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 3N3


          COURSE COST

          OPA Member: $1,358.00

          OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00


          Register above online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).


          Click here to read our registration policies.

          Show details

        • Park Encampments: Outreach & Response - One Day Workshop -

          • 09 May 2023
          • 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
          • Reeves Community Complex 381 Finkle Street Woodstock ON N4V 1A3
          • 16
          Register

          OPA is happy to announce that, in partnership with the City of Toronto, we are able to introduce our Parks Encampments: Outreach & Response One Day Workshop to our members.

          Park Encampments:  Outreach and Response is a full day workshop designed to provide information to Parks and municipal staff dealing with encampments; exploring best practices, safe operating procedures and sharing experiences.  The workshop will provide an overview on understanding the scope of this complex issue, contributing factors to homelessness and the need for creating a coordinated response team.  Participants will learn about tools to track encampments, provide outreach and engage with clients.  The workshop focuses on staff roles and responsibilities, best practices in staff training for both hard and soft skills and shares information about tools and equipment needed to work on all types of terrain and park areas.  This course also covers strategic thinking and innovative ideas as well as ideas to keep parks spaces open, safe and accessible for all.  This workshop encourages information and idea sharing, as well as group discussion around shared concerns to help all participants gain a deeper understanding of how to offer outreach and respond to encampments in public greenspace.

          Running May 9th 2023 from 8 AM to 3:30 PM, this one day workshop will provide attendees with information on best practices for interacting with and handling encampments in our public parks. This course will be structured as a combination of seminar presentation and open discussion. We look forward to opening up a conversation with attendees on this sensitive and highly relevant topic, and discussing solutions to your municipality’s concerns.

          If you are interested, please don’t hesitate to sign up, as spots will be limited.


          Show details

        • Park Encampments: Outreach & Response - One Day Workshop -

          • 10 May 2023
          • 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
          • Reeves Community Complex 381 Finkle Street Woodstock ON N4V 1A3
          • 13
          Register

          OPA is happy to announce that, in partnership with the City of Toronto, we are able to introduce our Parks Encampments: Outreach & Response One Day Workshop to our members.

          Park Encampments:  Outreach and Response is a full day workshop designed to provide information to Parks and municipal staff dealing with encampments; exploring best practices, safe operating procedures and sharing experiences.  The workshop will provide an overview on understanding the scope of this complex issue, contributing factors to homelessness and the need for creating a coordinated response team.  Participants will learn about tools to track encampments, provide outreach and engage with clients.  The workshop focuses on staff roles and responsibilities, best practices in staff training for both hard and soft skills and shares information about tools and equipment needed to work on all types of terrain and park areas.  This course also covers strategic thinking and innovative ideas as well as ideas to keep parks spaces open, safe and accessible for all.  This workshop encourages information and idea sharing, as well as group discussion around shared concerns to help all participants gain a deeper understanding of how to offer outreach and respond to encampments in public greenspace.

          Running May 10, 2023 from 8 AM to 3:30 PM, this one day workshop will provide attendees with information on best practices for interacting with and handling encampments in our public parks. This course will be structured as a combination of seminar presentation and open discussion. We look forward to opening up a conversation with attendees on this sensitive and highly relevant topic, and discussing solutions to your municipality’s concerns.

          If you are interested, please don’t hesitate to sign up, as spots will be limited.


          Show details

        • Book 7 Training

          • 11 May 2023
          • 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
          • Online
          • 7
          • 5 registrants
          Register

          Are you or your staff aware that if you block a lane of traffic to conduct your activities, you are required by law to take specific actions? The OPA Book 7 half-day course will give you all the information you need to ensure you work in compliance with ministry requirements. You will receive a reference book to help you safely secure your lane so you can proceed with your work in a safe and ministry compliant manner.


          This course will cover:

          • When to apply Book 7 procedures

          • How to draft a traffic layout plan 

          • What personal protective clothing, signage, and pylon placement are required

          • Ontario Health and Safety Regulations


          Required materials: Please purchase a copy of the Book 7 Manual found on the ServiceOntario Publications website.


          DATE: Thursday, May 11, 2023

          TIME: 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM

          LOCATION:  Online - Webex (no account or download required) 


          COURSE COST

          OPA Member: $192.00  

          OPA Potential Member: $296.00


          This course counts as 1/2 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.


          Register above online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).


          Click here to read our registration policies.

          Show details

        • Trails Specialist Workshop

          • 21 Jun 2023
          • 8:00 AM
          • 22 Jun 2023
          • 4:00 PM
          • Syl Apps Community Centre in Paris Ontario, 51 William St N3L 1L2
          Register

          This two-day course is an introduction to understand professional trail development and how it relates to trail maintenance. You will receive instruction on how to observe, detect, document and mitigate potential risk resulting from poor trail design, construction and maintenance. 


          This workshop combines in classroom theory and hands-on experiences. Participants will leave the course with a tool kit on how to create and implement a successful trail maintenance program. This course will cover all types of trails from natural surface single track to 3 metre wide crushed aggregate. 


          This course will cover:

          • Overview of Professional Trail Development
          • The Science and Art of Trail Building
          • Maintenance of Trails
          • Environmental Impacts
          • Liability Issues
          • Handwork and Trail Construction Techniques


          Participants are required to have a CSA approved hard hat, safety glasses, closed toe safety shoes/boots, and gloves. It is also recommended that the participant bring with them the following equipment to allow the opportunity for it to be integrated into the course and suit the specific needs/wants and desires of the participants.
          • Pin flags
          • Clinometer 
          • Pulaski
          • Mcleod rake
          • And/or any other trail building tools/equipment the organization, government agency or participant intends to use for trail design, building and maintenance. 

          DATE: June 21 and 22nd

          TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

          LOCATION: Syl Apps Community Centre in Paris Ontario,  51 William St N3L 1L2


          COURSE COST

          OPA Member: $433.00

          OPA Potential Member: $699.00


          *Please note that lunch will not be provided at this training. We encourage you to bring a bagged lunch and reusable water bottle with you for both days.

          This course counts as 2 credits towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

          Register above online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).

          Click here to read our registration policies.


          Show details

        • 66th Annual Parks Education Forum - Sponsors

          • 28 Sep 2023
          • 7:30 AM
          • 29 Sep 2023
          • 4:00 PM
          • Four Points by Sheraton London, Ontario 1150 Wellington Road South, London, ON N6E 1M3 Canada
          Register

          Sponsorship Opportunities

          Date: Thursday September 28th and Friday September 29, 2023
          Event Location: Four Points by Sheraton London, Ontario 1150 Wellington Road                                South, London, ON N6E 1M3 Canada


          Please note: This event will run regardless of weather conditions. We cannot offer refunds when notice is given 14 days or less before the event.

          This year OPA is holding a two day event. The following sponsorship opportunities are available:

          Thursday September 28, 2023

          Breakfast Sponsor : $ 350.00

          Tour of St. Thomas and London Sponsor: $375.00

          OPA Networking Social : $500.00


          Friday September 29, 2023

          Breakfast and mid-morning break sponsor : $425.00

          Lunch and mid-afternoon break sponsor: $425.00

          Education Speaker 1: $350.00

          Education Speaker 2: $350.00

          Education Speaker 3: $350.00

          Education Speaker 4: $350.00   



          All Sponsorship purchased includes the following:


          Recognition in Promotional Materials and at Event

          Company Name in Green Sward

          Company Name on OPA Website with Link


          Note:  All prices are HST free.





          Show details

        • 66th Annual Parks Education Forum

          • 28 Sep 2023
          • 9:00 AM
          • 29 Sep 2023
          • 4:00 PM
          • Four Points by Sheraton London, Ontario 1150 Wellington Road South, London, ON N6E 1M3 Canada
          • 291
          Register

          OPA is thrilled to host our Annual Education Forum in the city of London. London and St. Thomas will co-host this event. This year’s forum will be a 2-day event.

          Day 1: September 28: Registrants will join other Park professionals for a delicious breakfast at the Four Points Sheraton. After Breakfast the city of London and St. Thomas will host OPA registrants with tours of their beautiful city and facilities. After the tours, we will gather back at the Four Points by Sheraton for a roundtable discussion. More details will follow at a later date. Transportation will be provided for the tours.

          During the evening at 7:30 pm, OPA will welcome registrants to the Four Points by Sheraton for networking with your fellow parks workers, vendors and we will have live entertainment along with a bar and food. Entertainment and food are included with your ticket, however alcoholic beverages will be cash only.

          Day 2: September 29: OPA will have our 4 speakers (to be announced) as well as Parks and Recreation related vendors. Time will be set aside to visit with the vendors. There will be raffles for great prizes and breakfast and lunch are included with your ticket.

          Tickets are offered as follows:

          EARLY BIRD RATES (REGISTERED BEFORE JUNE 1, 2023)

          OPA Members: 2 day EVENT: $500.00

          OPA MEMBERS: 1 day event: $275.00

          OPA MEMBERS: Evening Networking Event only: $60.00

          POTENTIAL MEMBERS: 2 DAY EVENT: $550.00

          POTENTIAL MEMBERS: 1 DAY EVENT: $300.00

          POTENTIAL MEMBERS: EVENING NETWORKING EVENT: $80.00

          LATE BIRD RATES (REGISTERED ON OR AFTER JUNE 2, 2023)

          OPA MEMBERS: 2 DAY EVENT: $550.00

          OPA MEMBERS: 1 DAY EVENT: $300.00

          OPA MEMBERS: EVENING NETWORKING EVENT ONLY: $80.00

          POTENTIAL MEMBERS: 2 DAY EVENT: $600.00

          POTENTIAL MEMBERS: 1 DAY EVENT: $325.00

          POTENTIAL MEMBERS: EVENING NETWORKING EVENT: $90.00

          REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE September 1st, 2023


          Show details

        • 66th Annual Parks Education Forum - Vendor Table Tops

          • 28 Sep 2023
          • 12:00 PM
          • 29 Sep 2023
          • 4:00 PM
          • Four Points by Sheraton London, Ontario 1150 Wellington Road South, London, ON N6E 1M3 Canada
          • 2
          Register

          Details:  This year is a little different. OPA forum is a 2 day event and we are allowing vendors to set up at noon on September 28th, with attendees returning to the event at approximately 3pm.  Social will also be from 8pm to 11pm. On the 29th the forum will proceed as usual.

          15 6' tables will be set up around the insider perimeter of our meeting room, and if needed 10 more will be located outside the perimeter of the venue room, creating an intimate networking opportunity for vendors and parks professionals. Time will be allotted prior to the official start of the day and during breaks throughout the day for event attendees to meet and chat with vendors. Showcase your products and services to industry professionals from across Ontario. Create new relationships. Re-connect with existing customers. Time will be set aside to visit the vendor tables.

          Table Top Selection -  We are doing things a little bit different this year. We are not assigning tables until after registration closes. Our system records the date of your registration and the assignment of tables is on a first come basis. This way we will not put you beside a competitor and once all registration is closed, we will go down the list, in order of registration and assign tables. OPA will contact you via email or phone according to registration date and ask you for your table preference. If more than 15 vendors register, we will have an additional 10 tables just outside of the room, with all doors open.  Register Early to get your preferred table location. 

          OPA Member Fees - Registration opens to members only on February 21, 2023

          • OPA Member Early Bird Rate: September 29th only: $650 (Register by June 1, 2023)
          • OPA Member Late Bird Rate: September 29th only $750.00 (starts June 2, 2023)
          • OPA Member Early Bird Rate: $1250.00 for both days (Register by June 1, 2023)
          • OPA Member Late Bird Rate: $ 1350.00 for both days (starts June 2, 2023)
          • Additional Meal Ticket for September 29th only : $80.00
          • Additional Ticket for Social Networking Event: $60.00

          Potential Member Fees - Registration opens to potential members June 2nd, 2023

          • Potential Member Early Bird Rate: September 29th only $800 
          • Potential Member Late Bird Rate: September 29th only: $850
          • Potential Member Early Bird Rate: $1350.00 for both days
          • Potential Member Late Bird Rate: $1450.00 for both days
          • Additional Meal Ticket for September 29th only: $100.0
          • Additional Ticket for Social Networking Event: $80.00

          Please note above price includes buffet breakfast and lunch for ONE on September 29th. Meal tickets for additional representatives can be purchased for $80/person when registering. All company representatives attending MUST be registered in advance.

          Two day Registration includes social event ticket on September 28th, 2023



          Interested in being a sponsor? Click Here


          Show details

        • Registered Playground Practitioner Program

          • 23 Oct 2023
          • 8:00 AM
          • 27 Oct 2023
          • 5:00 PM
          • 333 McKinney Drive Whitby, Ont. L1R 3M2
          • 18
          Register

          Event Details:

          Ontario Parks Association (OPA) has developed the Registered Playground Practitioner Program to meet the needs of those involved and responsible for the hands-on inspections and maintenance of public playspaces and playground facilities.

          Safe Play - A High Priority

          Ontario Parks Association places a high priority and commitment on the provision of safe play structures in our public spaces. We want to help ensure that they are safe and accessible. OPA also emphasizes the strong need to educate caregivers, supervisors and others about the benefits of positive and safe play experiences for our children.

           

          What You Will Learn

          Attending this course will teach you about significantly lowering the risk of injuries in play areas by providing a safe outdoor learning experience for all. This course uses the CAN/CSA-Z614-20, Children's Playspaces and Equipment, as a base document for the three independent sections of the course. Ontario Parks Association instructors include experts from the industry including an architect, liability expert, lawyer, representative of the CSA Standards Association and others to give in-depth training on the following topics and includes an on-site demonstration at a local playground structure:


          Playspace Strategies Playspace Evaluation Playspace Management
          space requirements playvalue and hazard identification liability and insurance
          playability inspection and maintenance due diligence
          access/egress requirements surfacing evaluation contractual obligations
          playspace design record keeping risk management
          age appropriate issues CSA overview owner/operator responsibilities
          playspace materials corrective actions employee/manager responsibilities
          playspace construction   playvalue and practical choices


          Upon completion of the program and achievement of a passing grade in the written examination(s) the participant will be registered by Ontario Parks Association as a "Playground Practitioner" and is qualified to inspect playgrounds.

           

          OPA Registered Playground Practitioner Program is recognized as a playground safety course for inspectors by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.


          Attendees are required to purchase a copy of the NEW CSA Z614 - 20 Standard. The test at the end of the course is open book so attendees will need their own copy (sharing books is not permitted). Attendees can choose to either use the PDF version and bring it on their tablet or other electronic device (so long as they can turn off the use of internet / text messaging for the test as any use of outside sources is considered cheating and will not receive a passing grade) or the hard copy of the book. Books can be purchased at the CSA Online Shop.


          PLEASE NOTE: meals are not provided at this training session. Attendees will be required to bring their own lunch, coffee and snacks.

          Click here to read our Registration Policies




            DATE: October 23 - 27th, 2023

            TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

            LOCATION: 333 McKinney Drive Whitby, Ont. L1R 3M2 


            COURSE COST

            OPA Member: $1,358.00

            OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00


            Register above online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).


            Click here to read our registration policies.

            Show details

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