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• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 1

  • Start
    01 Dec 2025
  • End
    22 Dec 2025
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  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; Dec 8th, 15th, & 22nd 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

  REGISTER HERE

  ✨ Levels 2 & 3 of the Parks Management Practitioner Program are coming soon!

  Show details
• Park Encampments: Outreach & Response - One Day Workshop - Bradford West Gwillimbury

  • When
    02 Dec 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre, 125 Simcoe Road
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  OPA Presents: Parks Encampments – Outreach & Response Workshop

  In partnership with the City of Toronto

  OPA is excited to introduce our Parks Encampments: Outreach & Response One-Day Workshop, developed in partnership with the City of Toronto and offered exclusively to our members.

  This interactive, full-day workshop is designed for Parks and municipal staff who work directly with encampments in public spaces. Together, we’ll explore best practices, safe operating procedures, and real-world experiences from the field.

  Participants will:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the scope and complexity of park encampments

  • Learn about the factors contributing to homelessness and the value of a coordinated response team

  • Explore tools to track encampments, provide outreach, and engage effectively with clients

  • Discuss staff roles, responsibilities, and training—covering both hard and soft skills

  • Review tools and equipment needed to work safely across diverse park terrains

  • Share strategies to keep parks open, safe, and accessible for everyone

  This course blends seminar-style presentations with open discussion, encouraging participants to share ideas, raise questions, and collaborate on innovative solutions. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn from peers, exchange insights, and strengthen your team’s approach to this complex and sensitive issue.

  Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
  Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
  Location: Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre, 125 Simcoe Road

  Spots are limited — don’t miss out!
  Register today to join the conversation and help shape best practices for encampment response in our public parks.

  Warm regards,
  The OPA Team

  
  

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• Book 7 Training

  • When
    11 Dec 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Zoom
  • Spaces left
    18
  • Registered
    1 registrant

  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:  Dec 11th, 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 Update/Refresher Course

  • When
    19 Dec 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Zoom

  Register

  In keeping with best practices, all Playground Practitioners registered with Ontario Parks Association are required to attend an update/refresher course when a new Z614: Children's playspaces and equipment standard is released by CSA or every 4 years, whichever happens first. If you wish to remain an OPA Registered Playground Practitioner in good standing you are required to take part in this half day update and pass the course test.

  
  

  Prerequisite: You MUST be a current RPP with OPA to attend this course. 
  

  
  

  This course will review the recent changes to the CSA Z614:20 standard if there are any. Attendees will receive a wallet size card stating that they have attended the update and are still a current RPP with OPA. 

  Prior to attending the training, 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 of the standard (sharing books with other class participants is not permitted). Attendees can choose to use either a hard copy of the book or an electronic PDF version which can be accessed 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). Books can be purchased at the CSA Online Shop.

  NOTE: This course will count as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Certificate.

  
  

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• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 2

  • Start
    05 Jan 2026
  • End
    26 Jan 2026
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  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; Jan 12th, 19th, & 26th  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

  REGISTER HERE

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

  Show details
• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 3

  • Start
    09 Feb 2026
  • End
    02 Mar 2026
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  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; Feb 16th, 23rd & Mar 2nd 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

  REGISTER HERE

  Show details
• Registered Playground Practitioner Program - County of Brant

  • Start
    07 Apr 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    10 Apr 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    7 Gaukel Dr. St. George, Ontario, N0E 1N0
  • Spaces left
    17

  Register

  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 2025!

  • 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: April 7th-10th, 2026

  • Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Location: 7 Gaukel Dr. St. George, Ontario, N0E 1N0

  ⚠️ 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.

  Show details