Ontario Parks Association upcoming events

Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 3 (14 Sep 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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; Sept 21st, Sept 28th & Oct 5th 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

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 1 (14 Sep 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

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 September 21st, September 28th, and October 5th.

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 November 2026 and January 2027. We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

Click Here to Register

Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training - One Day Program (08 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:30:00 GMT

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: October 8, 2026

TIME: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

LOCATION: 2375 Vandorf Rd Stouffville On L4A 2J7

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

This course counts as 1 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 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!

Registered Playground Practitioner Program - Ottawa (19 Oct 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

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: October 19th - 22nd , 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 102 Greenview Ave, Ottawa Ontario K2B 8J8

⚠️ 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.

Registered Playground Practitioner Program - Clarington (19 Oct 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

✨ 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

What You’ll Learn

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: October 19th - 22nd , 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: South Courtice Arena 1595 Prestonvale Road, Courtice, ON L1E 2P1

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

Course Cost

OPA Member: $1,358.00
OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00

Sports Turf Maintenance (14 Apr 2027)

Wed, 14 Apr 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Reg is our turf expert. He is an experienced turf management professional with over 20 years in golf course management, landscape operations, lawn care, and the parks industry. He holds a Golf Course Technician Diploma from Seneca College and an Advanced Golf Course Management certification from The Ohio State University.

Reg was employed as Supervisor, Parks Operations at the City of Mississauga, where he oversaw turf care operations, including both seed and fertilizer contracts, ensuring the highest quality turf in public parks and recreational spaces. Additionally, he held the portfolios for Turf and Sports Fields, leading initiatives to improve field conditions, optimize resources, and promote sustainability.

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: April 14th and April 15th, 2026

Day 1 April 14th - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Day 2 April 15th - 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM to allow for a 30 minute test at the end of the course.

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

COURSE COST

OPA Member: $255.00

OPA Potential Member: $356.00

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

Register below 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).