Ontario Parks Association upcoming events

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

Mon, 04 May 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: 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

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.

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.

Book 7 Training (29 May 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

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.

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.

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

70th Annual Parks Education Forum (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

OPA 70th Annual Parks Education Forum

September 17–18, 2026Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conference Centre & Candlewood Suites

Get Ready to Learn, Connect, and Be Inspired

Join municipal parks professionals and industry vendors from across Ontario for two energizing days of hands-on learning, meaningful connections, and fresh ideas you can bring back to your community.

Thursday, September 17 – Outdoor Experience

11:00 a.m. – Park Meetup + Lunch Kick things off outdoors in a beautiful Burlington park. Enjoy a hosted lunch while networking with peers and exploring live vendor demonstrations in a real park setting—interactive, practical, and engaging.

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Vendor Showcase Vendors take the spotlight with dedicated time to showcase products and equipment in action. Expect creative setups and plenty of opportunities to explore solutions tailored to municipal needs.

5:00 p.m. – Meet & Greet Reconnect at the Holiday Inn for a relaxed meet-and-greet with attendees and vendors. Afterward, enjoy Burlington’s vibrant dining scene at your leisure.

Friday, September 18 – Education & Insights

8:00 a.m. – Breakfast Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.

8:45 a.m. – Welcome Remarks Opening greetings from the City of Burlington.

9:00 a.m. – Featured Speaker: Michelle Clarke Founder of Next Gen Grit, Michelle brings practical strategies for navigating change and integrating AI into everyday work—expect an interactive session with real-world takeaways.

10:00 a.m. – Break

10:15 a.m. – Industry Roundtable Join a moderated discussion led by OPA President Gene Matthews—share insights and hear perspectives from across the sector.

11:15 a.m. – Leadership Session: What Makes a Great LeaderExplore the qualities and approaches that define effective leadership in today’s environment.

12:00 p.m. – Lunch

12:45 p.m. – OPA Awards & Prize Draw Celebrate achievements across the sector—and maybe win a prize.

1:30 p.m. – Guest Speaker (Topic to be announced)

2:15 p.m. – Break

2:30 p.m. – Looking Ahead Be part of the conversation shaping future OPA Forums.

3:00 p.m. – Closing Remarks Wrap up with final thoughts from President Gene Matthews.

Register Early

Spaces are limited for both municipal delegates and vendors.

Register Now:https://ontarioparksassociation.wildapricot.org/event-6677941

Accommodations

Candlewood Suites (adjoined to Holiday Inn) Available: September 16–18, 2026

Room Rate: $176/night (1 King or 2 Queen beds)13% tax & 4% MAT

Breakfast not includedComplimentary parking & Wi-Fi

Booking Deadline: August 15, 2026

(Book early to secure availability and group rate)

Cancellation Policy:Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours prior to check-in to avoid a one-night charge.

How to Book

Online:Use the dedicated reservation link (rates pre-loaded)

Click here to book your stay

Be sure to select the correct check-in and check-out dates before searching

By Phone: 905-639-4443Ask for Candlewood Suites reservations and reference:Ontario Parks Association – Group Code “PAR”

Two days. Real connections. Practical ideas.We’ll see you in Burlington.

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