68th Annual Parks Education Forum

When: September 12th and 13th, 2024
Where: Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, 265 Cannifton Road, Belleville ON

OPA is thrilled to host our Annual Education Forum in the city of Belleville.

Day 1: September 12th : Registrants will join other Park professionals for a delicious catered breakfast . After Breakfast the city of Belleville will host OPA registrants with tours of their beautiful city and facilities.

OPA will be hosting its 2nd annual BBQ at one of Belleville's parks for lunch. Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and a Vegan option will be available. Soft drinks and water as well as small bag of chips will be offered.  Cash will only be accepted. 

After the tours, we will gather back at the venue for a round table discussion

During the evening at 7:00 pm, OPA will welcome registrants back to the venue for a catered dinner and live entertainment. Alcoholic and Non- Alcoholic beverages will be available . Cash only. Vendors will be set up and ready to showcase their services for you. 

Day 2: September 13: OPA will have our 4 speakers  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.

Speakers for the 68th Annual Parks Education Forum

 1. Kim Wheatley

Anishinaabe Traditional Grandmother Kim Wheatley is Ojibway, Potawatomi and Caribbean in ancestry. She is a band member of Shawanaga First Nation located on the shores of Georgian Bay on Robinson Huron Treaty Territories and is Turtle Clan. She carries the Spirit name “Head or Leader of the Fireflower” and has worked for 3 decades with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Canada.

As a multi award winning speaker for over 3 decades Kim has appeared locally, nationally and internationally in books, magazines, television, radio and numerous news articles and podcasts. Her work is viewed as dynamic, motivational and powerful while always inclusive. She is a published author, hand drummer, singer, water walker, artist, columnist, ceremonial practitioner and ancestral knowledge keeper. Kim is committed to forging good relationships aligned with reconciliation that honour the past, connect the present and contribute to the future.

Presentation Topic: We are delighted to have Kim Wheatley join us today to talk about the importance of learning about and understanding our Indigenous culture. As a knowledge keeper, traditional hand drummer/singer and ceremonial practitioner you are in for a real treat as Kim will share many traditional practices and teachings. Kim’s gift is her voice, and she uses it to share her incredible life journey with us and you will certainly have a much better understanding of how important learning about Indigenous Culture is for our future. You will not be disappointed but rather be on an emotional and educational journey.

2. Jessica Angers

Jessica Angers started her career in asset management at the City of Guelph in the newly created asset and project management division, and lead numerous initiatives across all service areas. Her passion for facilitation and collaboration, and belief in the power of a systems-wide approach to asset management has led to progressive roles in municipal and institutional organizations.

In her current role with AMONTario she leads programs that focus on building capacity and skill in asset management champions across Ontario and identifying opportunities to engage with senior leadership and elected officials on asset management initiatives and

priorities. She leverages her passion for integrating natural assets and climate considerations into all asset management processes to build an integrated asset management system that supports sustainable service delivery and resilient infrastructure.

Presentation Topic: We’ll review the benefits of asset management in discussing levels of service expectations and developing robust risk management and prioritized decision-making processes and tools. We’ll then look at the roles of all parks professionals – from frontline staff to executive leadership, and owners to operators and everything in between – in an asset management system. By reviewing practical examples and case studies and discussing relevant tools and resources, attendees will understand how asset management can be used in responding to day-to-day challenges and planning for short-, mid-, and long-range goals.

3. Reg Langen

Reg Langen is a leader with over twenty years in turfgrass, parks, and landscape operations. His career began in golf course management with post-secondary education from Seneca College and The Ohio State University. Reg was a Supervisor at the City of Mississauga, where he managed procurement for turfgrass materials and capital equipment, led the city’s first all-electric turf crew project, and earned recognition for a community garden initiative. As Director, Landscapes at Greenwin Corp, he restructured the landscaping portfolio and managed grounds maintenance and snow/ice contracts exceeding $1 million. Currently as Program Specialist at TRCA, Reg oversees program standards, divisional procurement, and contract management. Reg’s professional development includes certificates in business and leadership from Schulich Executive Education and Rotman School of Management as well as having completed the Parks and Recreation Management Certificate through PRO. Reg currently serves on the boards of OTRF and OPA.

Presentation Topic: Join us for an engaging 30-minute session at the Parks Education Forum, where we’ll explore the pivotal role of procurement in managing and enhancing our public parks. Led by Reg Langen, this presentation will provide park staff with essential insights into how effective procurement practices can elevate park maintenance. We’ll cover key principles, navigate the procurement process, and address common challenges while sharing best practices tailored to the unique needs of park management. This session aims to empower you with practical strategies to improve procurement outcomes and ensure our parks remain vibrant and well-maintained. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your procurement skills and contribute to the continued success of our public spaces.

4. Dr. Suzanne Quinn

Suzanne Flannery Quinn, PhD (Syracuse University, USA) is the manager of KOMPAN Play Institute, Americas. In this role, Suzanne conducts research on active outdoor play on playgrounds. Suzanne was formerly a Senior Lecturer and Programme convener of the MA Early Childhood Studies at the University of Roehampton, London, Froebel College, where she was a research member of the Early Childhood Research Centre. Suzanne is involved in international research on a range of issues related to young children, their families, and pedagogues who work with children and families, with particular focus on active outdoor play on playgrounds.

Presentation Topic: All children have the right to play. They need play for their well-being and healthy development. Play unites children of all nationalities, genders, ages, and abilities. The playground is where many children and families meet friends and socialize. It’s where they experiment, experience, and learn to accept differences. Playgrounds are critical social infra [1] structure in modern cities, as they are one of the few places where children can roam and play freely and securely. This is why persons with differing abilities should be considered when great playgrounds are designed. In this session you will learn about rights-based perspectives on inclusion, research on the experiences of people with disabilities in public playground spaces, and tips for designing great inclusive playgrounds.

Communities In Bloom will provide a presentation on what CIB is and how your municipality can participate.

OPA has secured a preferred rate with Fairfield Inn and Suites. Please click here to reserve a room with them

or

Book a room at the Towneplace  Suites . Click here to make a reservation

More details will follow throughout the coming months

To register your team, please click here

Tickets are offered as follows:

EARLY BIRD RATES (REGISTERED BEFORE JUNE 1, 2024)

OPA Members: 2 day EVENT: $500.00

OPA MEMBERS: 1 day event: $275.00

EVERYONE: Evening Networking Event only (includes dinner): $140.00

POTENTIAL MEMBERS: 2 DAY EVENT: $550.00

POTENTIAL MEMBERS: 1 DAY EVENT: $300.00

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

OPA MEMBERS: 2 DAY EVENT: $550.00

OPA MEMBERS: 1 DAY EVENT: $300.00

POTENTIAL MEMBERS: 2 DAY EVENT: $600.00

POTENTIAL MEMBERS: 1 DAY EVENT: $325.00

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE September 1st, 2024

REGISTER TODAY TO SECURE YOUR TEAMS SPOT!