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• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 3

  • Start
    07 Jul 2025
  • End
    28 Jul 2025
  • 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 plantcaping, 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 and Q&A session presented online on the afternoons of July 14th,  July 21st, and July 28th with our instructor providing answers to any questions that attendees may have during each 1 week period. 

  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

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• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 1

  • Start
    14 Jul 2025
  • End
    28 Jul 2025
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  

  
  

  OPA is thrilled to announce that Level One is available now!

  
  

  OPA is looking for detailed feedback on the soft launch of this course, for this reason we are offering the course at a $200.00 discount in order to receive this feedback! If you complete Level 1 and continue on to complete Levels 2 & 3 you will receive this discount for those Levels as well. 

  Moving from front-line service delivery roles into management can be a difficult transition in your career. For professionals looking to challenge themselves, this course will support your goal by providing the information you need to be successful. 

  With the support and advisement of experienced Supervisors, Managers and Directors, Ontario Parks Association is proud to have produced an exceptional program to expand your skills and knowledge base on topics from management terminology, labor relations, finance, and the challenges of the public sector.

  With a tiered system of three levels each level will expand on what you learned in the previous level to leave you with a thorough understanding of every role in parks management structures from Supervisor to Manager and ultimately into Senior Management. 

  This course is self study and scheduled for one week per level . Course materials will be sent out when we receive your payment. You will receive the materials for all 3 weeks. At the completion of each week, you will be sent the quiz. You have 3 weeks to complete the level with the quizzes. 

  
  

  Level 1 Topics:

  Week 1: Safety & Compliance, Management I

  Week 2: Finance I, Procurement I

  Week 3: Professional Skills I, Policy

  
  
  

  Show details
• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 2

  • Start
    14 Jul 2025
  • End
    04 Aug 2025
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  

  
  

  OPA is thrilled to announce that registration for Level Two is open!

  Parks Management Practitioner Program! 

  
  

  OPA is looking for detailed feedback on the soft launch of this course, for this reason we are offering the course at a $200.00 discount in order to receive this feedback! If you complete Level 2 and continue on to complete Level 3 you will receive this discount for that Level as well. 

  Moving from front-line service delivery roles into management can be a difficult transition in your career. For professionals looking to challenge themselves, this course will support your goal by providing the information you need to be successful. 

  With the support and advisement of experienced Supervisors, Managers and Directors, Ontario Parks Association is proud to have produced an exceptional program to expand your skills and knowledge base on topics from management terminology, labor relations, finance, and the challenges of the public sector.

  With a tiered system of three levels each level will expand on what you learned in the previous level to leave you with a thorough understanding of every role in parks management structures from Supervisor to Manager and ultimately into Senior Management. 

  This course is self study and scheduled for one week per level . Course materials will be sent out when we receive your payment. You will receive the materials for all 3 weeks. At the completion of each week, you will be sent the quiz. You have 3 weeks to complete the level with the quizzes.
  

  
  

  Level 2 Topics:

  Week 1: Management II, Organizational Concepts & Structures I

  Week 2: Professional Skills II, Politics I

  Week 3: Finance II, Procurement II

  
  

  You must have completed Level One to take Level Two. 

  
  
  

  Show details
• Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training - Two Day - West Lincoln

  • Start
    14 Jul 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    15 Jul 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    In class: 344 Canborough Street, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 / Practical: 143 Rock Street Smithville, ON L0R 2A0
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  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: July 14th & 15th, 2025
  TIME: 8:00AM - 4:00 PM
  LOCATION: In class: 344 Canborough Street, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 / Practical: 143 Rock Street Smithville, ON L0R 2A0

  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).

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Basic Chipper Operations and Handling Workshop - West Lincoln

  • When
    16 Jul 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    In-class training location: 344 Canborough Street Smithville, ON L0R 2A0 In-field training location: 143 Rock Street Smithville, ON L0R 2A0
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 1992 and 2002 a total of 31 occupational injury deaths were attributable to mobile brush chippers. 68% of fatalities were the result of being caught or compressed by the chipper, and 29% deaths were the result of being struck by the machine or a machine part. This one-day program will help your employees understand how to work safely with and around a chipper.

  This course will cover:
  

  • Safety regulations and PPE 
  • Identify existing and potential hazards
    
  • Routine checks and maintenance
    
  • Recognizing and avoiding risks 
    
  • Safe operating techniques
    
  • Pre-start Inspections
    
  • Shut down procedures

  PPE required to attend this session:

  • CSA Approved Type 1 or Type 2 Class C or E helmet (within 5 years old) 
  • Hearing protection 
  • Gloves with narrow cuffs (so branches don't snag them)
  • Eye protection
  • Safety boots (Green Patch Safety approved with a minimum height of 7 eyelets)
  • Full leg chaps or ballistic pants (recommended but not required)

  
  

  Show details
• Book 7 Training

  • When
    24 Jul 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Zoom
  • Spaces left
    20
  • Registered
    Be the first

  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:  July 24 2025

  TIME: 8:30 PM - 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.

  
  

  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).

  
  

  
  

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• Registered Playground Practitioner Program

  • Start
    28 Jul 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    31 Jul 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Reeves Community Complex (Mezzanine room) 381 Finkle Street, Woodstock, ON N4V1A3
  • Spaces left
    5

  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.

  PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO COURSE: 

  - Course length is now only 4 days in length! 

  - Exam to be taken online; to be completed by 4:00 p.m. August 7th, 2025.

  - Practitioner Registration for the course will now be valid for 4 years, and then mandatory update/refresher will be necessary.

  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.

  
  

  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 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
  playspace 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.

  
  

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

  This course will now require an update/refresher every 4 years OR when there is an update to the standard, after successful completion of the course. 

  
  

  DATE: July 28th - July 31st, 2025

  TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  LOCATION: Reeves Community Complex  (Mezzanine room) 381 Finkle Street, Woodstock, ON N4V1A3

  
  

  COURSE COST

  OPA Member: $1,358.00

  OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00

  
  

  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).

  Show details
• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 3 - Soft Launch

  • Start
    18 Aug 2025
  • End
    08 Sep 2025
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  OPA is thrilled to announce the soft launch of our new

  Parks Management Practitioner Program! 

  
  

  OPA is looking for detailed feedback on the soft launch of this course, for this reason we are offering the course at a $200.00 discount in order to receive this feedback! 

  Moving from front-line service delivery roles into management can be a difficult transition in your career. For professionals looking to challenge themselves, this course will support your goal by providing the information you need to be successful. 

  With the support and advisement of experienced Supervisors, Managers and Directors, Ontario Parks Association is proud to have produced an exceptional program to expand your skills and knowledge base on topics from management terminology, labor relations, finance, and the challenges of the public sector.

  With a tiered system of three levels each level will expand on what you learned in the previous level to leave you with a thorough understanding of every role in parks management structures from Supervisor to Manager and ultimately into Senior Management. 

  This course is self study and scheduled for one week per level with one online Zoom meeting per week. Course materials will be sent out on the first day of the course, you will receive the materials for all 3 weeks. 

  
  

  Level 2 Topics:

  Week 1: Organizational Concepts & Structures II

  Week 2: Leadership, Procurement III

  Week 3: Management III, Politics II

  Every Monday at 12:00pm there will be a Q&A session presented online the afternoons of August 25th, September 2nd, and September 8th with our instructor providing answers to any questions that attendees may have during each 1 week period. With the weekly quiz to follow.
  

  Show details
• Community Gardens Workshop

  • When
    15 Sep 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Online-Webinar

  Register

  
  

  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: September 15th 2025

  Time: 8:30am - 3:00pm

  
  

  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
• Registered Playground Practitioner Program - Ottawa

  • Start
    16 Sep 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    19 Sep 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (Hall B), 102 Greenview Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K2B 8J8
  • Spaces left
    19

  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.

  PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO COURSE: 

  - Course length is now only 4 days in length! 

  - Exam to be taken online; to be completed by 4:00 p.m. June 6th, 2025.

  - Practitioner Registration for the course will now be valid for 4 years, and then mandatory update/refresher will be necessary.

  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.

  
  

  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 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
  playspace 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.

  
  

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

  This course will now require an update/refresher every 4 years OR when there is an update to the standard, after successful completion of the course. 

  
  

  DATE: Sept 16th-19th, 2025

  TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  LOCATION: Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre (Hall B), 102 Greenview Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K2B 8J8

  
  

  COURSE COST

  OPA Member: $1,358.00

  OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00

  
  

  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).

  Show details
• 1st Annual OPA Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training Workshop

  • Start
    18 Sep 2025
  •  
  • End
    19 Sep 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    2375 Vandorf Rd Stouffville On L4A 2J7
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  OPA Launches Its Inaugural Annual Chainsaw Workshop

  The Ontario Parks Association is excited to announce our 1st Annual Chainsaw Workshop, a comprehensive training opportunity designed specifically for members who are eager to get certified but are unable to host a course themselves.

  Join us for an engaging and hands-on learning experience where each session will feature a complete One-Day Chainsaw Safety Training Course. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a digital certification, valid for three years in accordance with industry standards.

  As outlined by the Ministry of Labor,  all parks professionals who operate chainsaws on the job are required to be properly trained in safe usage. This course not only fulfills that requirement but also empowers participants with the knowledge of safe operation and routine maintenance of this essential — and potentially dangerous — tool.

  Whether you’re new to chainsaw use or need to renew your certification, this workshop is a valuable opportunity to gain essential skills, connect with fellow professionals, and stay compliant with provincial regulations.

  We look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces to this exciting event!

  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)

  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.

  Show details
• 69th Annual Parks Education Forum - Sponsors

  • Start
    25 Sep 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM
  • End
    26 Sep 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Club Italia, Niagara Falls

  Register

  Sponsorship Opportunities for The 69th Annual Parks Education Forum

  Taking place in Niagara Falls

  Date: Thursday September 25th and Friday September 26, 2024

  
  

  The following sponsorship opportunities are available:

  Thursday September 25, 2025

  Breakfast Sponsor : $ 500.00

  Tours: $500.00

  BBQ Lunch  - $500.00

  OPA Networking Social and dinner : $1000.00

  
  

  Friday September 13, 2024

  Breakfast and mid-morning break sponsor : $500.00

  Lunch and mid-afternoon break sponsor: $500.00

  Education Speaker 1: $400.00

  Education Speaker 2: $400.00

  Education Speaker 3: $400.00

  
  

  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

  New this year: a half page ad in our Green Sward

  
  

  Click here to sponsor our forum

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• 69th Annual Parks Education Forum

  • Start
    25 Sep 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    26 Sep 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Club Italia, Niagara Falls
  • Spaces left
    255

  Register

  OPA is thrilled to host our 69th Annual Education Forum in the city of Niagara Falls.

  CO-HOSTED BY THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS AND THE NIAGARA PARKS COMMISSION

  Day 1: September 25th : Registrants will join other Park professionals for a delicious catered breakfast . After Breakfast attendees and vendors will join the Niagara Parks Commission for a tour of The School of Horticulture, The Butterfly Conservatory and Dufferin Islands. Transportation will be provided by the Niagara Parks Commission.

  OPA will be hosting its 3rd annual BBQ at Fireman's Park for lunch. Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and a Vegan/Gluten Free 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 BBQ, the city of Niagara Falls will take you on a tour of Fireman's Park which  has a dog park, Disc golf, a creative playground, basketball court as well as trails.

  During the evening at 6:00 pm, OPA will welcome registrants back to the venue for a catered dinner and live entertainment provided by Electric Popsicle . Alcoholic and Non- Alcoholic beverages will be available .  Vendors will be set up and ready to showcase their services for you. 

  Day 2: September 26: OPA will have our 3 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.

  Speaker Topics Announced:

  1. Our communities are changing’ how are we making them all inclusive

  2. Rethinking our traditional parks and open spaces

  3. How to ensure consistent and timely messaging to stay ahead of the issues

  We expect a large turnout for this event so register early and secure your spots. 

  Show details
• Vendor Table Tops

  • Start
    25 Sep 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    26 Sep 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls ON L2H 0T9
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  69th Annual Parks Education Forum is being held in NIAGARA FALLS on

  September 25th and 26th 2025.

  
  

  This event is being co-hosted by

  The city of Niagara Falls and The Niagara Parks Commission

                            
  

  Details:  This year OPA is heading to Niagara Falls for our 69th Annual Parks Education Forum. This 2 day event will feature the first day with tours (which vendors are encouraged to attend)of The School of Horticulture, The Butterfly Conservatory and Dufferin Islands as well as Fireman's Park,  a BBQ hosted by OPA  as well as dinner at the venue followed by a social networking event with live entertainment provided by Electric Popsicle

  For this year's forum we are changing it up based on your feedback.  We are having 3 speakers over the course of the day. Breaks are 45 minutes and lunch is one hour. This will provide our attendees at least 3 hours to network with our vendors on  day two. 

  Also included is a half page ad in our Green Sward and you can choose which season to place your ad in. 

  30  8' tables will be set up around the insider perimeter of our meeting room, and  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. 

  Table Top Selection -  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, you will have 24 hours to respond before we move onto the next vendor. I will email all vendors ahead of time to give you a heads up. Registration is confirmed once payment is received.   Register Early to get your preferred table location. 

  OPA Member Fees 
  

  • OPA Member Early Bird Rate: September 25th only: $650 (Register by April 30, 2025)
  • OPA Member Late Bird Rate: September 25th only $750.00 (starts May 1, 2025)
  • OPA Member Early Bird Rate: $1450.00 for both days (Register by April 30, 2025)
  • OPA Member Late Bird Rate: $ 1600.00 for both days (starts May 1, 2025)
  • Additional Meal Ticket for September 26th only : $120.00
  • Additional Ticket for Social Networking Event (includes dinner and late night buffet): $150.00

  
  

  Potential Member Fees 

  • Potential Member Early Bird Rate: $1600.00 for both days
    
  • Potential Member Early Bird Rate: September 26th only: $900
    
  • Potential Member Late Bird Rate: September 26th only: $950
    
  • Potential Member Late Bird Rate: $1800.00 for both days
    
  • Additional Meal Ticket for September 26th only: $120.0
  • Additional Ticket for Social Networking Event: $150.00

  Please note above price includes buffet breakfast and dinner and late night buffet for ONE on September 25th and breakfast and lunch on September 26th. Meal tickets for additional representatives must be purchased ahead of the event. All company representatives attending MUST be registered in advance.

  Two day Registration includes social event ticket on September 25th, 2025

  OPA encourages you to register early as we expect this event to be sold out due to changes in the schedule and the location based on feedback. 

  OPA  wishes to thank you for your continued support!

  To Register as a vendor please click here

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Natural Insect Pest Control Workshop

  • When
    22 Oct 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Online - Zoom
  • Spaces left
    23

  Register

  Natural Insect Pest Control Workshop

  This workshop will provide an overview and understanding on how beneficials insects & nematodes work. When and where best to apply them to get optimal results. Participants will learn about trap & lure systems particularly how pheromones work as a mating disruption tool, and large-scale mosquito larvae controls. 

  The positive effects of introducing natural endemic predators, who can become established in the environment and offer on going pest prevention. The benefits of companion planting, bird houses, creating buffer zones & bee-friendly by ways within your city. How to keep the bad guys out of and the good guys in your community garden space. This workshop is ideal for those who are ready to take a new look at pest control, we will teach you how to use nature to combat nature.

  This workshop will cover three modules:

  1. Outdoor spaces: public parks, nurseries, cemeteries, arboretum

  2. Community gardens: solitary pollinators, managing garden pests naturally finding the balance 

  3. Indoor spaces:  green houses, tropical gardens

  
  

  Note: This course is provided in a half-day online workshop. 

  This course is worth 0.5 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

  
  

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• Sports Turf Maintenance

  • Start
    23 Oct 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    24 Oct 2025
  •  
    12:30 PM
  • Location
    Online
  • Spaces left
    30

  Register

  Reg is our new 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: October 23rd and October 24th, 2025

  Day 1 October 23rd - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

  Day 2 October 24th - 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).

  
  

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• Horticultural Therapy Workshop

  • When
    06 Nov 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom - Online
  • Spaces left
    30

  Register

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

  “I cultivate my garden and my garden cultivates me”- Robert Breault

  Urban green spaces are vital to the physical and mental health of communities. For municipal employees in parks, recreation, urban forestry, and conservation authorities, understanding the therapeutic potential of horticulture and green spaces can support enhancement of communal well-being while addressing multi-faceted health challenges of today. 

  This two-part, interactive workshop delves into the principles and practices of Horticultural Therapy (HT), a purposeful approach to using plants and nature-related activities to achieve goals that promote well-being for participants.

  This workshop is for professionals seeking to elevate their understanding to improving individual and community health through nature-based solutions. Be prepared to broaden your perspective about the spaces you manage and the lives they impact. 

  Topics that will be covered include: 

  • The fundamentals of 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.

                                                                                                                                 

  Instructor Bio:

  Guinevere Kern is a Registered Horticultural Therapist with extensive experience in integrating nature-based therapies into health and community settings. Her accomplishments include: 

  • Designing and implementing therapeutic gardening programs for mental health and long-term care facilities. 

  • Providing nature therapy services for individuals recovering from motor vehicle accidents and other trauma. 

  • Completing a 1,000-hour Horticultural Therapy Internship specializing in therapeutic gardening and community development. 

  • Conducting research in native wildflowers and ornamental plants at the University of Guelph’s Department of Plant Agriculture. 

  • Working in diverse horticulture settings, including nurseries, greenhouses, landscaping, and organic agriculture across Canada and the United States. 

  As a passionate educator and advocate for green wellness, Guinevere brings a transdisciplinary perspective to equipping professionals to deepen their understanding of the healing potential of green spaces. 

  Course Date's: November 6th, 2025

  Course Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

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

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