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• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 2

  • Start
    05 Jan 2026
  • End
    26 Jan 2026
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  Parks Management Practitioner Program

  Transitioning from front-line service delivery into management can be a challenging step in your career. This program is designed for professionals ready to take on new responsibilities and develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in leadership roles.

  With guidance from experienced Supervisors, Managers, and Directors, Ontario Parks Association (OPA) offers an exceptional learning opportunity covering key areas such as management terminology, labour relations, finance, and the unique challenges of working in the public sector.

  The program is delivered in three progressive levels, each building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive understanding of management structures—preparing you to advance from Supervisor to Manager and ultimately into Senior Management.

   Program Format

  • Self-study, three weeks per level

  • One quiz per week (sent Mondays; Jan 12th, 19th, & 26th  at 12:00 PM via email)

  • Instructor support: Questions may be emailed to the instructor, with responses within 48 hours

  • Instructor: Paul Ronan – paul@ontarioparksassociation.ca

   Level 2 Topics

  • Week 1: Management II, Organizational Concepts & Structures I

  • Week 2: Professional Skills II, Politics I

  • Week 3: Finance II, Procurement II

  ✅ Registration

  REGISTER HERE

  ✨ Level 3 of the Parks Management Practitioner Program are coming soon!

  Show details
• Trails Risk Management - Level 1 (Daytime Sessions) - Presented in Partnership with Ontario Trails Council

  • Start
    27 Jan 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    29 Jan 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Online - Zoom (Link will be provided via email to registrants)
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  Managing trails is about managing risk. Offering trail opportunities creates a significant community asset with immense tangible and intangible benefits. Balanced against these positive effects comes an obligation and responsibility to do it right. There is an inherent tension between providing recreation opportunities and at the same time protecting against their possible negative side effects. This is the mediating role risk management plays.

  This live webinar lays the foundation for trail managers, builders and volunteers to plan and organize their risk management practices. This introductory theory course is part 1 of a three-part risk management progression, and is the prerequisite to the level 2 and 3.

  The theory session covers:

  • Mandatory baseline trail risk management practices
  • The legal environment, legislative requirements, and defenses against negligence
  • Trail risk management systems, user safety, and trail management objectives
  • Access, information and signage principles

  This live webinar is taught by Jeff Jackson, Ph.D., a recognized expert in trail risk management and long-time facilitator of the OTC’s risk management training. His experience ranges from provincial level trail policy development, expert opinion in trail-based legal proceedings, publishing a number of risk management chapters in trail related publications, and work as a risk consultant, trail builder and manager in both winter and summer.

  NOTE: This 6 hour training program will be delivered via two - three hour online sessions 

  Session One: Tuesday January 27, 2026 from 12pm to 3pm

  Session Two: Thursday January 29, 2026 from 12pm to 3pm

  This course is being delivered in partnership with Ontario Trails Council and counts as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

  Please register online, an invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can then be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 1

  • Start
    02 Feb 2026
  • End
    23 Feb 2026
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  OPA is happy to announce we are running the Horticulture Practitioner Program again this year. We are happy to welcome our new instructor John Howard! Level 1 of this program will offer a new experience for OPA training, taking place over three weeks of self-guided learning, allowing attendees to work at their own pace through content covering the following topics: 

  
  

  Week 1

  1. Legislation

  2. Tools

  3. Soil Science

  4. Plant Health Care

  Week 2

  1. Workplace Hazards and Safety Practices

  2. Small Engines

  3. Bed Preparation

  4. Pruning 1

  Week 3

  1. Public Relations

  2. Mowing Turf

  3. Planting Trees and Shrubs

  4. Plant Identification 1

  This course will have quizzes every Monday sent via email on the afternoons of February 9th , February 16th, and February 23rd.

  Our goal with our 3-Level Horticulture Practitioner Program is to provide valuable information for those looking to get into the field of Horticulture that will take them from newcomer to job-ready.  This program also aims to provide career advancement for those in the Horticulture field through attaining the OPA Horticulture Practitioner designation as a valuable resume asset. Each level will cover new topics or provide more depth to existing concepts, creating a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in the field of Horticulture.

  Levels 2 & 3 of our Horticulture Practitioner Program will be running in April 2026 and June 2026. We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

  Click Here to Register

  Show details
• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 3

  • Start
    09 Feb 2026
  • End
    02 Mar 2026
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  Parks Management Practitioner Program

  Transitioning from front-line service delivery into management can be a challenging step in your career. This program is designed for professionals ready to take on new responsibilities and develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in leadership roles.

  With guidance from experienced Supervisors, Managers, and Directors, Ontario Parks Association (OPA) offers an exceptional learning opportunity covering key areas such as management terminology, labour relations, finance, and the unique challenges of working in the public sector.

  The program is delivered in three progressive levels, each building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive understanding of management structures—preparing you to advance from Supervisor to Manager and ultimately into Senior Management.

   Program Format

  • Self-study, three weeks per level

  • One quiz per week (sent Mondays; Feb 16th, 23rd & Mar 2nd at 12:00 PM via email)

  • Instructor support: Questions may be emailed to the instructor, with responses within 48 hours

  • Instructor: Paul Ronan – paul@ontarioparksassociation.ca

   Level 3 Topics

  • Week 1: Organizational Concepts & Structures II, Leadership

  • Week 2: Procurement III, Management III

  • Week 3: Politics II

  ✅ Registration

  REGISTER HERE

  Show details
• Trails Risk Management - Level 2(Daytime Sessions) - Presented in Partnership with Ontario Trails Council

  • Start
    03 Mar 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    05 Mar 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Online - Zoom (Link will be provided via email to registrants)
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  This live webinar builds upon the basic legal requirements and user safety concepts from Level 1 to examine the key roles of signage, trail inspection and documentation. This starts with an accurate risk assessment for multi use or activity optimized trail networks. A process is introduced to inventory and assess trail hazards and build a customized signage and inspection system that addresses key management and user safety concerns.

  The theory session covers:

  • Risk assessment theory and process
  • Identifying signage needs; signage system and placement best practice
  • Customized inspection procedures and documentation
  • The trail management plan contents and uses in meeting trail management objectives

  This live webinar is taught by Jeff Jackson, Ph.D., a recognized expert in trail risk management and long-time facilitator of the OTC’s risk management training. His experience ranges from provincial level trail policy development, expert opinion in trail-based legal proceedings, publishing a number of risk management chapters in trail related publications, and work as a risk consultant, trail builder and manager in both winter and summer.

  Pre-requisite: OPA’s Trail Risk Management – level 1 online webinar

  NOTE: This 6 hour training program will be delivered via two - three hour online sessions 

  Session One: Tuesday March 3, 2026 from 12pm to 3pm

  Session Two: Thursday March 5, 2026 from 12pm to 3pm

  This course is being delivered in partnership with Ontario Trails Council and counts as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

  Please register online, an invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can then be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Essentials of Salt Management Workshop - Virtual Session

  • When
    27 Mar 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Zoom

  Register

  Ontario Parks Association is happy to announce the Essentials of Salt Maintenance Workshop in Collaboration with the Smart About Salt Council (SASC). 

  Our Training Professionals can: 

  • Help to reduce the costs of winter maintenance
  • Help to provide a defense against legal claims 
  • Help to differentiate good contractors from others
  • Help reduce impacts of sale on infrastructure
  • Help improve client and customer relations
  • Support the environment and drinking water resources. 

  Who Should Take This Course? 

  This course is geared to people working in the snow and ice control business. Contractor managers, supervisors and operators will benefit from the course. Facility managers that control winter operations and hire and direct snow and ice contractors should be trained to best understand the business of snow and ice control. Risk managers will learn about winter related risks and how these can be managed as well as the challenge contractors face because of poor site design. 

  What Will you Receive from This Course ? 

  • You will better understand snow and ice control leading/best practices
  • You will better understand how to identify and manage winter risks
  • You will learn about how to properly use and manage salt
  • You can become Smart About Salt Certifies and/or accredited

  
  

  Course Cost : $423.75

  Course Date : March 27th, 2026

  Course Location :  Online - Zoom

  REGISTER HERE FOR THE COURSE

  Show details
• Community Gardens Workshop

  • When
    02 Apr 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Online-Webinar

  Register

  New! Community Gardens Workshop

  Community Gardens: Cultivating Food and Community

  
  

  Community gardens operations and community services: are they for your municipality?

  
  

  Workshop overview

  Have you ever wondered what it would take to start a community garden in your municipality? Or perhaps you’ve started researching or developing the idea, and are needing more information around logistics, operations, costs, or community engagement concerns. Join Jane Hayes and Rav Singh for an introduction session on community gardens and explore:

  
  

  ● Types of community gardens, and community garden programs, and their benefits

  ● Garden site selection and criteria

  ● Policy considerations

  ● Garden programming (supports, funding, resources, target audiences, etc.)

  
  

  This workshop is ideal for those who are ready to take initiative in establishing or revitalizing a community garden program in their municipality. We strongly recommend that at least two people per municipality attend if possible.

  
  

  Location: Online Webinar

  Date: April 2, 2026

  Time: 8:30am - 2:30pm

  
  

  Course Cost:  

  Members : $310.00

  Non-Members : $470.00

  
  

  Please note this is a one day 6.5 hour online Webinar. 

  REGISTER HERE

  Show details
• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 2

  • Start
    06 Apr 2026
  • End
    27 Apr 2026
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  Level 2 of this program will offer a new experience for OPA training, taking place over three weeks of self-guided learning, allowing attendees to work at their own pace through content covering the following topics: 

  
  

  Week 1

  • Plant ID 2

  • Design Basics

  • Display Installation & Maintenance

  • Irrigation

  Week 2

  • Soil Amendments 

  • Fertilizer

  • Advanced Pruning

  Week 3

  • Attend 

  • Intro to Greenhouses

  • Leadership Skills

  
  

  Prerequisite: 

  • Completed HPP Level 1

  
  

  This course will have quizzes every Monday sent via email on the afternoons of April 13th,  April 20th , and April 27th.

  Our goal with our 3-Level Horticulture Practitioner Program is to provide valuable information for those looking to get into the field of Horticulture that will take them from newcomer to job-ready.  This program also aims to provide career advancement for those in the Horticulture field through attaining the OPA Horticulture Practitioner designation as a valuable resume asset. Each level will cover new topics or provide more depth to existing concepts, creating a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in the field of Horticulture.

  Level 3 of our Horticulture Practitioner Program will be running in June 2026. We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

  Click Here to Register

  Show details
• Registered Playground Practitioner Program - County of Brant

  • Start
    07 Apr 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    10 Apr 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    7 Gaukel Dr. St. George, Ontario, N0E 1N0
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  The Ontario Parks Association (OPA) is proud to present the Registered Playground Practitioner Program—designed for those responsible for the hands-on inspections and maintenance of public playspaces and playground facilities.

  ✨ Important Updates for 2025!

  • Shorter Course Length: Now just 4 days!

  • New Online Exam

  • Extended Registration Validity: Practitioner Registration now valid for 4 years before a refresher/update is required.

  Course Materials

  All attendees must purchase a copy of the NEW CSA Z614-20 Standard (Children’s Playspaces and Equipment).

  • The final exam is open book, so you’ll need your own copy—no sharing permitted.

  • Choose either:

    • A PDF version (tablet/e-device allowed, but internet/texting disabled during exam), or

    • A hard copy (available via the CSA Online Shop). Purchase Here

  Why This Training Matters

  At OPA, safe play is a top priority. This program is all about ensuring children enjoy fun, safe, and accessible outdoor play experiences. Beyond inspection and compliance, we’ll emphasize the importance of positive play experiences and educating caregivers, supervisors, and operators.

  What You’ll Learn

  This training, built on the CSA Z614-20 Standard, combines classroom instruction with on-site demonstrations at a local playground. Led by industry experts (architects, liability experts, lawyers, CSA representatives, and more), you’ll gain hands-on knowledge in three key areas:

  Playspace Strategies

  • Playspace requirements & design

  • Playability & age-appropriate issues

  • Access/egress requirements

  • Materials & construction

  Playspace Evaluation

  • Play value & hazard identification

  • Surfacing evaluation

  • Inspection & maintenance

  • Corrective actions & CSA overview

  Playspace Management

  • Liability, insurance & risk management

  • Record keeping & due diligence

  • Owner/operator responsibilities

  • Employee/manager obligations

  • Contractual considerations

  Certification

  Participants who complete the program and pass the exam will be registered by OPA as a Playground Practitioner, qualified to conduct playground inspections.

  This program is officially recognized by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services as a playground safety course for inspectors.

  Course Details

  • Date: April 7th-10th, 2026

  • Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Location: 7 Gaukel Dr. St. George, Ontario, N0E 1N0

  ⚠️ Meals are not provided—please bring your own lunch, coffee, and snacks.

  Register Here
  

  Course Cost

  • OPA Member: $1,358.00

  • OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00

  
  

  Register above online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24 hours of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association). Course is required to be  paid for before the start of the course.

  Show details
• Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training - One Day Program Brighton

  • When
    16 Apr 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    King Edward Park Arena, 75 Elizabeth St. Brighton, Ontario
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  The Ministry of Labor requires that all parks professionals who use a chainsaw on the job must be trained in the safe operation of a chainsaw. A chainsaw is a powerful and extremely useful piece of equipment, but can be very dangerous when not used properly. This workshop will introduce you to chainsaw safety and maintenance.

  The course will cover:  

  • Safety Regulations and PPE
  • Identification and inspection of all chainsaw safety components
  • Manufacturers recommended inspection and adjustment of a chainsaw
  • Starting and stopping techniques 
  • Safe handling of a chainsaw 
  • Woodlot assessment and hazards
  • Bucking and Limbing

  **PLEASE NOTE**

  PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE PROPER PPE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COURSE

  • CSA Approved Type 1 or 2 Class C or E Helmet, in well maintained condition
  • Hearing protection - ear muffs or ear plugs are acceptable, must be in well maintained condition
    
  • Gloves - leather, or cloth, or composite in well maintained condition 
    
  • Eye protection - CSA approved safety glasses
    
  • Safety boots (Green Patch Safety approved with a minimum height of 7 eyelets)
    
  • Full leg chaps or chainsaw pants with UL label that is visible (3, 000 feet per minute (FPM) or greater)

  DATE: April 16th, 2026

  TIME: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

  LOCATION: King Edward Park Arena, 75 Elizabeth St. Brighton, Ontario

  COURSE COST :  $302.00 for Members and $389.00 for Non-Members

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

  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 the day.

  Register Here

  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).

  Thank you and we hope to see you there!

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Registered Playground Practitioner Program - North Middlesex

  • Start
    04 May 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    07 May 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Ailsa Craig Rec Centre 155 Annie Ada Shipley Steet Ailsa Craig On N0M 1A0
  • Spaces left
    25

  Register

  The Ontario Parks Association (OPA) is proud to present the Registered Playground Practitioner Program—designed for those responsible for the hands-on inspections and maintenance of public playspaces and playground facilities.

  ✨ Important Updates for 2026!

  • Shorter Course Length: Now just 4 days!

  • New Online Exam

  • Extended Registration Validity: Practitioner Registration now valid for 4 years before a refresher/update is required.

  Course Materials

  All attendees must purchase a copy of the NEW CSA Z614-20 Standard (Children’s Playspaces and Equipment).

  • The final exam is open book, so you’ll need your own copy—no sharing permitted.

  • Choose either:

    • A PDF version (tablet/e-device allowed, but internet/texting disabled during exam), or

    • A hard copy (available via the CSA Online Shop). Purchase Here

  Why This Training Matters

  At OPA, safe play is a top priority. This program is all about ensuring children enjoy fun, safe, and accessible outdoor play experiences. Beyond inspection and compliance, we’ll emphasize the importance of positive play experiences and educating caregivers, supervisors, and operators.

  What You’ll Learn

  This training, built on the CSA Z614-20 Standard, combines classroom instruction with on-site demonstrations at a local playground. Led by industry experts (architects, liability experts, lawyers, CSA representatives, and more), you’ll gain hands-on knowledge in three key areas:

  Playspace Strategies

  • Playspace requirements & design

  • Playability & age-appropriate issues

  • Access/egress requirements

  • Materials & construction

  Playspace Evaluation

  • Play value & hazard identification

  • Surfacing evaluation

  • Inspection & maintenance

  • Corrective actions & CSA overview

  Playspace Management

  • Liability, insurance & risk management

  • Record keeping & due diligence

  • Owner/operator responsibilities

  • Employee/manager obligations

  • Contractual considerations

  Certification

  Participants who complete the program and pass the exam will be registered by OPA as a Playground Practitioner, qualified to conduct playground inspections.

  This program is officially recognized by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services as a playground safety course for inspectors.

  Course Details

  • Date: May 4th-7th, 2026

  • Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Location: Ailsa Craig Rec Centre 155 Annie Ada Shipley Steet Ailsa Craig On N0M 1A0

  ⚠️ Meals are not provided—please bring your own lunch, coffee, and snacks.

  Register Here
  

  Course Cost

  • OPA Member: $1,358.00

  • OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00

  
  

  Register above online. An invoice will be sent to you within 24 hours of registering. Payment can be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association). Course is required to be  paid for before the start of the course.

  Show details
• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 3

  • Start
    01 Jun 2026
  • End
    22 Jun 2026
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  Level 3 of this program will offer a new experience for OPA training, taking place over three weeks of self-guided learning, allowing attendees to work at their own pace through content covering the following topics: 

  
  

       Week 1

  • Botany Turf Greenhouse Operations Production & Propagation Week 2 Advanced Display Design Interior plantscaping, green roofs, ponds etc… Xeriscaping Trade Calculations Week 3 Purchasing, ordering tendering materials Computer programs & Record keeping Basic Project Management Managing Staff, HR Skills, Leadership Skills

  Prerequisite: 

  • Completed HPP Level 2

  This course will have quizzes every Monday send via email on the afternoons of June 8th,  June 15th, and June 22nd.

  Our goal with our 3-Level Horticulture Practitioner Program is to provide valuable information for those looking to get into the field of Horticulture that will take them from newcomer to job-ready.  This program also aims to provide career advancement for those in the Horticulture field through attaining the OPA Horticulture Practitioner designation as a valuable resume asset. Each level will cover new topics or provide more depth to existing concepts, creating a strong foundation for those looking to build a career in the field of Horticulture.

  Click Here to Register

  Show details