Ontario Parks Association upcoming events

Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 1 (06 Jul 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 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; July 13th , July 20th, & 27th 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 1 Topics

Week 1: Safety & Compliance, Management I
Week 2: Finance I, Procurement I
Week 3: Professional Skills I, Policy

✅ Registration

Parks Management Practitioner Program

Program Format

Self-study, three weeks per level
One quiz per week (sent Mondays; July 13th , July 20th, & 27th 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 1 Topics

Week 1: Safety & Compliance, Management I
Week 2: Finance I, Procurement I
Week 3: Professional Skills I, Policy

✅ Registration

Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 2 (10 Aug 2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Parks Management Practitioner Program

Program Format

Self-study, three weeks per level
One quiz per week (sent Mondays; August 17th, 24th, & 31st 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

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

Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training - Two Day - Cambridge (10 Aug 2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:30:00 GMT

The Department of Labor requires that all parks professionals who use chainsaws on the job be trained in their safe operation. This two-day seminar helps satisfy these requirements.

The course will cover:

Safety regulations and PPE
Identification and inspection of all chainsaw safety components
Inspection and adjustment of a chainsaw
Starting and stopping techniques
Safe handling of a chainsaw
Woodlot assessment and hazards
Felling techniques for trees greater then 5" dbh
Bucking and limbing
Pole saw and cutting attachments
Competence test

**PLEASE NOTE**

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

Class E Type 2 helmet (within 5 years old)
Hearing protection (exceeds 85 decimals)
Gloves (comfortable fitting leather or composite)
Eye protection
Safety boots - Green Patch Safety approved with a minimum height of 6 eyelets (Blundstone work boots are NOT acceptable for chainsaw operations)
Full leg chaps or chainsaw pants with UL label that is visible (3000 feet per minute (FPM) or greater)

DATE: August 10th and 11th, 2026
TIME: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
LOCATION: Bishop Operations Centre (BOC)
Address: 1310 Bishop Street North, Cambridge, ON

COURSE COST

OPA Member: $494.00
OPA Potential Member: $635.00

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

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).

Registered Playground Practitioner Program - Cambridge (17 Aug 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 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: August 17th - 20th , 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Training Room, Bishop Operations Centre (BOC), 1310 Bishop Street North, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 6V5

⚠️ 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.

Book 7 Training (21 Aug 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMT

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: August 21, 2026

TIME: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

LOCATION: Online - Zoom

COURSE COST

OPA Member: $192.00

OPA Potential Member: $296.00

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

Invasive Species Workshop (03 Sep 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Invasive Plant Species Workshop – Southern & Central Ontario

In 2018, invasive species were estimated to cost Ontario municipalities and conservation authorities approximately $38.8 million. This workshop explores some of the most impactful invasive plant species in Southern and Central Ontario that contribute to these ongoing costs.

Participants will be introduced to Best Management Practices (BMPs) to support the development of effective control strategies for each species discussed. The session will also focus on building strong plant identification skills, understanding toxic properties, and recognizing the ecological impacts these invasive species have on native landscapes.

Date: September 3rd, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location:
SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena – Community Room 1
55 Parkside Street, Upper Parking Lot
Minden, ON K0M 2K0

Course Cost:
OPA Members: $220.00
Non-Members: $335.00

Please Note: Lunch is not provided for this session.

Join us for an informative and practical session designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to manage invasive plant species effectively in your community.

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

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Parks Management Practitioner Program

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

70th Annual Parks Education Forum - Sponsors (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Sponsorship Opportunities

70th Annual Parks Education Forum

Burlington, Ontario | September 17–18, 2026

Join us as we bring Ontario’s parks community together for two days of hands-on learning, real conversations, and shared experiences—out in the field and in the room.
From live demonstrations in a Burlington park to dynamic speakers and industry discussions, this year’s forum is built around connection, innovation, and practical insight.

Be Part of the Experience
Thursday, September 17 – In the Park

Trailside Lunch Sponsor – $500

Fuel meaningful conversations as delegates gather outdoors for lunch, networking, and live vendor demonstrations in a Burlington park.

Campfire Connections Reception Sponsor – $1,000

Kick off the evening meet-and-greet where vendors and delegates connect, unwind, and build lasting relationships.

Friday, September 18 – Learning & Leadership

☀️ Sunrise Breakfast Sponsor – $500

Start the day strong as delegates gather before a full lineup of speakers and discussions.

Midday Refuel Sponsor – $500

Keep the momentum going during a busy day of learning, networking, and collaboration.

⛰ Summit Keynote Sponsor – $1000

Support our featured speaker session, setting the tone for the day’s big ideas and forward-thinking conversations. (Featuring Michelle Clarke – change and adoption expert, Next Gen Grit)

Learning Trail Session Sponsor – $400

Be part of interactive education sessions focused on leadership, industry insights, and the future of parks.

✨ Every Sponsorship Includes

Recognition across event promotions and onsite signage

Company name featured in Green Sward

Listing on the OPA website with direct link

New this year: Half-page advertisement in Green Sward

Why Sponsor?
This forum isn’t just presentations—it’s:

Hands-on vendor engagement in a real park setting

Direct access to municipal and parks professionals

Meaningful conversations that continue beyond the event

Your support helps create an experience that is practical, collaborative, and rooted in the future of parks in Ontario.

Click here to sponsor our forum

Registered Playground Practitioner Program - Ottawa (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: 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

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: 102 Greenview Ave, Ottawa Ontario K2B 8J8

⚠️ 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