Ontario Parks Association upcoming events

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 2 (06 Apr 2026)

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 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 April 13th, April 20th , and April 27th.

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 June 2026. We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

Click Here to Register

Registered Playground Practitioner Program - County of Brant (07 Apr 2026)

Tue, 07 Apr 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 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.

Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training - One Day Program Brighton (16 Apr 2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The Ministry of Labor requires that all parks professionals who use a chainsaw on the job must be trained in the safe operation of a chainsaw. A chainsaw is a powerful and extremely useful piece of equipment, but can be very dangerous when not used properly. This workshop will introduce you to chainsaw safety and maintenance.

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)

DATE: April 16th, 2026

TIME: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

LOCATION: King Edward Park Arena, 75 Elizabeth St. Brighton, Ontario

COURSE COST : $302.00 for Members and $389.00 for Non-Members

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.

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).

Thank you and we hope to see you there!

2nd Annual OPA Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training Workshop (20 Apr 2026)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

OPA Launches Its Second Annual Chainsaw Workshop!

The Ontario Parks Association is excited to host our second Annual Chainsaw Workshop—a hands-on, practical training opportunity created especially for members who want to get certified but don’t have the ability to host a course at their own park.

Our workshop delivers a full one-day Chainsaw Safety Training Course, giving participants the chance to learn, practice, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a digital certification valid for three years, meeting current industry standards.

Ministry of Labour guidelines require all parks professionals who operate chainsaws as part of their job to be properly trained—and this course does exactly that. Beyond meeting requirements, the workshop equips participants with essential skills in safe operation, hazard awareness, and routine maintenance of this powerful (and potentially dangerous) tool.

Whether you’re brand new to chainsaw use or simply looking to renew your certification, this workshop is a great opportunity to sharpen your skills, connect with fellow parks professionals, and stay compliant with provincial regulations.

We can’t wait to welcome both familiar and new faces back to this popular OPA offering!

What You’ll Learn:

Safety regulations and required PPE
Identification and inspection of all chainsaw safety components
Manufacturer-recommended inspection and adjustment of a chainsaw
Starting and stopping techniques
Safe handling and operation
Woodlot assessment and hazard identification
Bucking and limbing techniques

⚠️ Important: Mandatory PPE Requirements

To participate in the course, all participants must bring the following PPE:

CSA-approved Type 1 or 2 helmet (Class C or E), in good condition
Hearing protection (ear muffs or ear plugs)
Gloves (leather, cloth, or composite), in good condition
CSA-approved eye protection
Green Patch–approved safety boots (minimum 7 eyelets)
Full-leg chainsaw chaps or chainsaw pants with a visible UL label - Rated 3,000 feet per minute (FPM) or greater

✅ This course counts as one (1) credit toward your Parks Practitioner Designation.

Please note: Lunch will not be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch and a reusable water bottle for the day.

Register Now — Limited Spots Available!

Spaces are limited to ensure a safe, high-quality learning experience. Early registration is strongly encouraged to avoid missing out.

Book 7 Training (20 Apr 2026)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Registered Playground Practitioner Program - North Middlesex (04 May 2026)

Mon, 04 May 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: May 4th-7th, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Ailsa Craig Rec Centre 155 Annie Ada Shipley Steet Ailsa Craig On N0M 1A0

⚠️ 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

Practical Ball Field Clinic - Sudbury (13 May 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Ball field's require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and in a safe condition for public use. This program will teach you how to maintain every aspect of your ball field, from home plate to infield through practical hands-on experiences.

Through this workshop you will be learning and practicing:

Safety issues and best practices
Equipment requirements
Home plate maintenance
Mound maintenance
Edge and lip maintenance
Infield grooming

This course is hands-on and will be conducted outdoors, so proper PPE is mandatory (appropriate outdoor work clothes, steel toed boots, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection etc...).

DATE: May 13th, 2026

TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

LOCATION: Terry Fox Sports Complex 21 Lasalle Boulevard Sudbury ON

COURSE COST
OPA Member Price: $265.00
Potential Member Price: $370.00

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

Practical Ball Field Clinic - Chatham (20 May 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Through this workshop you will be learning and practicing:

Safety issues and best practices
Equipment requirements
Home plate maintenance
Mound maintenance
Edge and lip maintenance
Infield grooming

This course is hands-on and will be conducted outdoors, so proper PPE is mandatory (appropriate outdoor work clothes, steel toed boots, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection etc...).

DATE: May 20th, 2026

TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

LOCATION: Fergie Jenkins Field - 30 Tweedsmuir Ave W, Chatham, ON N7M 2A4

COURSE COST
OPA Member Price: $265.00
Potential Member Price: $370.00

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

Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 3 (01 Jun 2026)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 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 June 8th, June 15th, and June 22nd.

Click Here to Register

Practical Ball Field Clinic - Thamesford (03 Jun 2026)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Through this workshop you will be learning and practicing:

Safety issues and best practices
Equipment requirements
Home plate maintenance
Mound maintenance
Edge and lip maintenance
Infield grooming

This course is hands-on and will be conducted outdoors, so proper PPE is mandatory (appropriate outdoor work clothes, steel toed boots, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection etc...).

DATE: June 3rd, 2026

TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

LOCATION: Thamesford District Recreation Centre 85 Middleton St, Thamesford

Ball field location: North Park 221 George St, Thamesford

COURSE COST
OPA Member Price: $265.00
Potential Member Price: $370.00

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

Trails Risk Management - Level 3 Presented in Partnership with Ontario Trails Council (22 Jun 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

This in-person training course combines classroom discussion with on the ground trail assessment exercises and evaluation of existing trail risk factors and requirements. Risk assessment for multi use or activity optimized trail networks is the core process that identifies risk management needs. This applied training prepares participants as trail inspectors and risk assessors. This is the third training in the trail risk management progression.

The on-the-ground training covers:

Trail inspection and risk assessment process and procedures
Risk assessment tied to trail management objectives
Objective versus subjective assessment criteria
Inspection forms and documentation

This in-person training is taught by Jeff Jackson, Ph.D., a recognized expert in trail risk management and long-time facilitator of the OTC’s risk management training. His experience ranges from provincial level trail policy development, expert opinion in trail-based legal proceedings, publishing a number of risk management chapters in trail related publications, and work as a risk consultant, trail builder and manager in both winter and summer.

Participants are to bring footwear, rain jacket and water bottle, plus their existing inspection forms or inspection documentation.

Pre-requisite: OPA’s Trail Risk Management – level 1 & 2 online webinar

NOTE: this 8 hour training course is delivered in-person, in class and outdoors.

Course Date: June 22, 2026

Course Time: 8:00am-4:00pm

Course Location: Jack Burger Sports Complex 60 Highland Dr, Port Hope On. L1A 3Z7

This course is being delivered in partnership with Ontario Trails Council and counts as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

Please register online, an invoice will be sent to you within 24hrs of registering. Payment can then be made online through the invoice you will receive or via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association).

Trails Risk Management - Level 3 Presented in Partnership with Ontario Trails Council (23 Jun 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The on-the-ground training covers:

Trail inspection and risk assessment process and procedures
Risk assessment tied to trail management objectives
Objective versus subjective assessment criteria
Inspection forms and documentation

Participants are to bring footwear, rain jacket and water bottle, plus their existing inspection forms or inspection documentation.

Pre-requisite: OPA’s Trail Risk Management – level 1 & 2 online webinar

NOTE: this 8 hour training course is delivered in-person, in class and outdoors.

Course Date: June 23, 2026

Course Time: 8:00am-4:00pm

Course Location: Jack Burger Sports Complex 60 Highland Dr, Port Hope On. L1A 3Z7

This course is being delivered in partnership with Ontario Trails Council and counts as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

Registered Playground Practitioner Program - Cambridge (17 Aug 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 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: 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

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