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• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 2

  • Start
    10 Aug 2026
  • End
    31 Aug 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; August 17th, 24th, & 31st  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
• Registered Playground Practitioner Program - Cambridge

  • Start
    17 Aug 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    20 Aug 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Training Room, Bishop Operations Centre (BOC), 1310 Bishop Street North, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 6V5
  • Spaces left
    11

  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 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: 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

  
  

  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
• Book 7 Training

  • When
    21 Aug 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Online - Zoom
  • Spaces left
    35
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  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:  August 21, 2026

  TIME: 8:30 AM to 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).

  
  

  Show details
• Invasive Species Workshop

  • When
    03 Sep 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    55 Parkside Street, Minden, ON K0M 2K0 SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena, Community Room 1 Upper Parking Lot
  • Spaces left
    23

  Register

  Invasive Plant Species Workshop – Southern & Central Ontario

  In 2018, invasive species were estimated to cost Ontario municipalities and conservation authorities approximately $38.8 million. This workshop explores some of the most impactful invasive plant species in Southern and Central Ontario that contribute to these ongoing costs.

  Participants will be introduced to Best Management Practices (BMPs) to support the development of effective control strategies for each species discussed. The session will also focus on building strong plant identification skills, understanding toxic properties, and recognizing the ecological impacts these invasive species have on native landscapes.

  Date: September 3rd, 2026
  Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  Location:
  SG Nesbitt Memorial Arena – Community Room 1
  55 Parkside Street, Upper Parking Lot
  Minden, ON K0M 2K0

  Course Cost:
  OPA Members: $220.00
  Non-Members: $335.00

  Please Note: Lunch is not provided for this session.

  Join us for an informative and practical session designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to manage invasive plant species effectively in your community.

  Show details
• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 3

  • Start
    14 Sep 2026
  • End
    05 Oct 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; Sept 21st, Sept 28th & Oct 5th 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
• Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training - One Day Program

  • When
    08 Oct 2026
  •  
    8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    2375 Vandorf Rd Stouffville On L4A 2J7
  • Spaces left
    24

  Register

  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: October 8, 2026

  TIME: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

  LOCATION:  2375 Vandorf Rd Stouffville On L4A 2J7

  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 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).

  Thank you and we hope to see you there!

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Registered Playground Practitioner Program - Ottawa

  • Start
    19 Oct 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    22 Oct 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    102 Greenview Ave, Ottawa Ontario K2B 8J8
  • Spaces left
    18

  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 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.

  Show details
• Registered Playground Practitioner Program - Clarington

  • Start
    19 Oct 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    22 Oct 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    South Courtice Arena 1595 Prestonvale Road, Courtice, ON L1E 2P1
  • Spaces left
    20

  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 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: 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

  
  

  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
• Sports Turf Maintenance

  • Start
    14 Apr 2027
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    15 Apr 2027
  •  
    12:30 PM
  • Location
    Online
  • Spaces left
    22

  Register

  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).

  
  

  Show details