Ontario Parks Association upcoming events

Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 1 (19 Oct 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 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; October 26th, November 2nd & 9th at via email)
Instructor support: Questions may be emailed to the instructor, with responses within 48 hours
Instructor: Reg Langen (reg@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

Registered Playground Practitioner Program - Ottawa (19 Oct 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 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: 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

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.

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: South Courtice Arena 1595 Prestonvale Road, Courtice, ON L1E 2P1

⚠️ 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

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 2 (02 Nov 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Level 2 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

Plant ID 2
Design Basics
Display Installation & Maintenance
Irrigation

Week 2

Soil Amendments
Fertilizer
Advanced Pruning

Week 3

Attend
Intro to Greenhouses
Leadership Skills

Prerequisite:

Completed HPP Level 1

This course will have quizzes every Monday sent via email on the afternoons of November 9th, November 16th, November 23rd , 2026

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.

Level 3 of our Horticulture Practitioner Program will be running in January 2027 We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

Click Here to Register

Smart About Salt Council- Training Webinar (16 Dec 2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 13:30:00 GMT

OPA is excited to announce that we are working in collaboration with Smart About Salt Council to host a Smart About Salt Training Webinar which will go over information on winter maintenance and the reasons to gain knowledge about best management practices (BMP's) when using salt. This workshop, running from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, will cover the following areas, as well as encourage our membership to pursue full membership with Smart About Salt Council:

Overview
SASC
Salt and the Environment
Elements of training
Practical demonstration
How to get and maintain certification
Q & A

This session will be hosted online on December 16, 2026.

This course will be worth 1 credit towards the Parks Practitioner Designation, and 2 additional credits can be awarded with proof of complete certification through Smart About Salt.

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 3 (11 Jan 2027)

Mon, 11 Jan 2027 05:00:00 GMT

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 plantscaping, 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 send via email on the afternoons of January 18th, January 25th and February 1st, 2027.

Click Here to Register

Sports Turf Maintenance (14 Apr 2027)

Wed, 14 Apr 2027 13:00:00 GMT

Reg is our 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: April 14th and April 15th, 2026

Day 1 April 14th - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Day 2 April 15th - 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).