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).
