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• Natural Insect Pest Control Workshop

  • When
    22 Oct 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Online - Zoom
  • Spaces left
    5

  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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• Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training - Two Day - Wesport, Ontario

  • Start
    23 Oct 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    24 Oct 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    2163 Devil Lake Road Westport, ON K0G 1X0
  • Spaces left
    1

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  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: October 23rd & 24th , 2025
  TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  LOCATION:  2163 Devil Lake Road, Westport, ON K0G 1X0

  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).

  
  

  
  

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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
    24

  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
    27

  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

  Show details
• 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!

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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

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• 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
    19

  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