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• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 1

  • Start
    03 Mar 2025
  • End
    24 Mar 2025
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  OPA is happy to announce we are running the Horticulture Practitioner Program again this year. We are happy to welcome our new instructor John Howard! Level 1 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

  1. Legislation

  2. Tools

  3. Soil Science

  4. Plant Health Care

  Week 2

  1. Workplace Hazards and Safety Practices

  2. Small Engines

  3. Bed Preparation

  4. Pruning 1

  Week 3

  1. Public Relations

  2. Mowing Turf

  3. Planting Trees and Shrubs

  4. Plant Identification 1

  This course will have quizzes every Monday and Q&A session presented online on the afternoons of March 10th, March 17th, and March 24th with our instructor providing answers to any questions that attendees may have during each 1 week period. 

  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.

  Levels 2 & 3 of our Horticulture Practitioner Program will be running in May 2025 and July 2025. We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

  Click Here to Register

  Show details
• Sports Turf Maintenance

  • Start
    20 Mar 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    21 Mar 2025
  •  
    12:30 PM
  • Location
    Online
  • Spaces left
    15

  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: March 20th and March 21st, 2025

  Day 1 March 20th - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

  Day 2 March 21st - 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
• Registered Playground Practitioner Program

  • Start
    24 Mar 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    27 Mar 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Burnhamthorpe Community Centre - Fleetwood Village Room, 1500 Gulleden Dr, Mississuga L4X 2T7
  • Spaces left
    0

  Event Details:
  

  Ontario Parks Association (OPA) has developed the Registered Playground Practitioner Program to meet the needs of those involved and responsible for the hands-on inspections and maintenance of public playspaces and playground facilities.

  PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO COURSE: 

  - Course length is now only 4 days in length! 

  - Exam to be taken online; to be completed by 4:00 p.m. April 3rd, 2025.

  - Practitioner Registration for the course will now be valid for 4 years, and then mandatory update/refresher will be necessary.

  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 (sharing books is not permitted). Attendees can choose to either use the PDF version and bring it 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) or the hard copy of the book. Books can be purchased at the CSA Online Shop.

  
  

  Safe Play - A High Priority

  Ontario Parks Association places a high priority and commitment on the provision of safe play structures in our public spaces. We want to help ensure that they are safe and accessible. OPA also emphasizes the strong need to educate caregivers, supervisors and others about the benefits of positive and safe play experiences for our children.

   

  What You Will Learn

  Attending this course will teach you about significantly lowering the risk of injuries in play areas by providing a safe outdoor learning experience for all. This course uses the CSA-Z614-20, Children's Playspaces and Equipment, as a base document for the three independent sections of the course. Ontario Parks Association instructors include experts from the industry including an architect, liability expert, lawyer, representative of the CSA Standards Association and others to give in-depth training on the following topics and includes an on-site demonstration at a local playground structure:

  
  

  Playspace Strategies	Playspace Evaluation	Playspace Management
  playspace requirements	playvalue and hazard identification	liability and insurance
  playability	inspection and maintenance	due diligence
  access/egress requirements	surfacing evaluation	contractual obligations
  playspace design	record keeping	risk management
  age appropriate issues	CSA overview	owner/operator responsibilities
  playspace materials	corrective actions	employee/manager responsibilities
  playspace construction		playvalue and practical choices

  
  

  Upon completion of the program and achievement of a passing grade in the written examination(s) the participant will be registered by Ontario Parks Association as a "Playground Practitioner" and is qualified to inspect playgrounds.

   

  OPA Registered Playground Practitioner Program is recognized as a playground safety course for inspectors by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

  
  

  PLEASE NOTE: meals are not provided at this training session. Attendees will be required to bring their own lunch, coffee and snacks.

  This course will now require an update/refresher every 4 years OR when there is an update to the standard, after successful completion of the course. 

  
  

  DATE: March 24th - March 27th, 2025

  TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  LOCATION: Burnhamthorpe Community Centre - Fleetwood Village Room, 1500 Gulleden Dr, Mississauga L4X 2T7

  
  

  COURSE COST

  OPA Member: $1,358.00

  OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00

  
  

  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).

  Show details
• Registered Playground Practitioner Update/Refresher Course

  • When
    11 Apr 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.

  
  

  Show details
• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 2

  • Start
    05 May 2025
  • End
    26 May 2025
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  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 and Q&A session presented online on the afternoons of May 12th,  May 19th, and May 26th with our instructor providing answers to any questions that attendees may have during each 1 week period. 

  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 July 2025. We're looking forward to providing you with new and exciting opportunities to expand your career and enrich your knowledge!

  Click Here to Register

  Show details
• Parks Management Practitioner Program - Level 2 - Soft Launch

  • Start
    05 May 2025
  • End
    02 Jun 2025
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  

  
  

  OPA is thrilled to announce the soft launch of our new

  Parks Management Practitioner Program! 

  
  

  OPA is looking for detailed feedback on the soft launch of this course, for this reason we are offering the course at a $200.00 discount in order to receive this feedback! If you complete Level 2 and continue on to complete Level 3 you will receive this discount for that Level as well. 

  Moving from front-line service delivery roles into management can be a difficult transition in your career. For professionals looking to challenge themselves, this course will support your goal by providing the information you need to be successful. 

  With the support and advisement of experienced Supervisors, Managers and Directors, Ontario Parks Association is proud to have produced an exceptional program to expand your skills and knowledge base on topics from management terminology, labor relations, finance, and the challenges of the public sector.

  With a tiered system of three levels each level will expand on what you learned in the previous level to leave you with a thorough understanding of every role in parks management structures from Supervisor to Manager and ultimately into Senior Management. 

  This course is self study and scheduled for one week per level with one online Zoom meeting per week. Course materials will be sent out on the first day of the course, you will receive the materials for all 3 weeks. 

  
  

  Level 2 Topics:

  Week 1: Management II, Organizational Concepts & Structures I

  Week 2: Professional Skills II, Politics I

  Week 3: Finance II, Procurement II

  Every Monday at 12:00pm there will be a Q&A session presented online the afternoons of May 12th, May 26th, and June 2nd with our instructor providing answers to any questions that attendees may have during each 1 week period. With the weekly quiz to follow.

  Level 3 of the Parks Management Practitioner Program are coming soon!!

  
  

  Show details
• Registered Playground Practitioner Program

  • Start
    26 May 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    29 May 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Cargill Community Centre, 999 Greenock-brant Line, Cargill ON N0G 1J0
  • Spaces left
    16

  Register

  Event Details:
  

  Ontario Parks Association (OPA) has developed the Registered Playground Practitioner Program to meet the needs of those involved and responsible for the hands-on inspections and maintenance of public playspaces and playground facilities.

  PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO COURSE: 

  - Course length is now only 4 days in length! 

  - Exam to be taken online; to be completed by 4:00 p.m. June 6th, 2025.

  - Practitioner Registration for the course will now be valid for 4 years, and then mandatory update/refresher will be necessary.

  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 (sharing books is not permitted). Attendees can choose to either use the PDF version and bring it 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) or the hard copy of the book. Books can be purchased at the CSA Online Shop.

  
  

  Safe Play - A High Priority

  Ontario Parks Association places a high priority and commitment on the provision of safe play structures in our public spaces. We want to help ensure that they are safe and accessible. OPA also emphasizes the strong need to educate caregivers, supervisors and others about the benefits of positive and safe play experiences for our children.

   

  What You Will Learn

  Attending this course will teach you about significantly lowering the risk of injuries in play areas by providing a safe outdoor learning experience for all. This course uses the CSA-Z614-20, Children's Playspaces and Equipment, as a base document for the three independent sections of the course. Ontario Parks Association instructors include experts from the industry including an architect, liability expert, lawyer, representative of the CSA Standards Association and others to give in-depth training on the following topics and includes an on-site demonstration at a local playground structure:

  
  

  Playspace Strategies	Playspace Evaluation	Playspace Management
  playspace requirements	playvalue and hazard identification	liability and insurance
  playability	inspection and maintenance	due diligence
  access/egress requirements	surfacing evaluation	contractual obligations
  playspace design	record keeping	risk management
  age appropriate issues	CSA overview	owner/operator responsibilities
  playspace materials	corrective actions	employee/manager responsibilities
  playspace construction		playvalue and practical choices

  
  

  Upon completion of the program and achievement of a passing grade in the written examination(s) the participant will be registered by Ontario Parks Association as a "Playground Practitioner" and is qualified to inspect playgrounds.

   

  OPA Registered Playground Practitioner Program is recognized as a playground safety course for inspectors by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

  
  

  PLEASE NOTE: meals are not provided at this training session. Attendees will be required to bring their own lunch, coffee and snacks.

  This course will now require an update/refresher every 4 years OR when there is an update to the standard, after successful completion of the course. 

  
  

  DATE: May 26th - May 29th, 2025

  TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  LOCATION: Cargill Community Centre, 999 Greenock-brant Line, Cargill ON N0G 1J0

  
  

  COURSE COST

  OPA Member: $1,358.00

  OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00

  
  

  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).

  Show details
• Practical Ball Field Clinic - Brockton

  • When
    04 Jun 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    999 Greenock Brant Townline, Cargil, ON
  • Spaces left
    14

  Register

  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: June 4, 2025

  TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  LOCATION: 999 Greenock Brant Townline, Cargil, 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.

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Spray Pad Practitioner Program - Grand Valley

  • Start
    05 Jun 2025
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    06 Jun 2025
  •  
    4:30 PM
  • Location
    Community Centre – 90 Main Street North, Grand Valley, ON L9W 5S7
  • Spaces left
    14

  Register

  COURSE INFORMATION:

  With the increasing demand for spray pads in communities, are you prepared to plan for, install and maintain this type of play equipment? 

  If not, we have you covered with this training! Ontario Parks Association has developed this course to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to work with spray pads. This session is the first of its kind in North America and has been an exciting addition our training line-up at OPA. 

  Whether you are an operator, supervisor, manager, or health official, you will want to attend this exciting course to gain a stronger understanding of this increasingly popular equipment. 

  This course will cover:

  • Design philosophy
  • Considerations (ages, collaborative play, inclusive play, sensory stimulation, motor skills, etc.)
  • Selecting colors, location and patterns
  • Types of fixtures (fiberglass, stainless, aluminum, fixed and removable)
  • Determining shape and size
  • Sequencing and determining flow pattern
  • Surfacing options
  • Considerations for construction
  • Water treatment and testing
  • Flow through, recirculation and retain and reuse systems
  • Equipment (pumps, strainers and UV)
  • Inspections (daily, pre-opening and pre-season)
  • Signage
  • Winterizing
  • Ministry guidelines

  DATE: June 5th & 6th, 2025

  TIME: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  LOCATION: Community Centre – 90 Main Street North, Grand Valley, ON L9W 5S7    Splash Pad – 65 River Street, Grand Valley, ON L0N 1G0

  COURSE COST

  OPA Member: $433.00

  OPA Potential Member: $679.00

  Within 2 weeks of completing this course, you will receive a letter from Ontario Parks Association acknowledging your participation, new and advanced knowledge of spray pads, and effort towards helping us achieve our mandate of Protecting Tomorrow Today®. 

  Register Here online.  You can pay online.

  
  

  Show details
• Practical Ball Field Clinic - Delhi

  • When
    23 Jun 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    Delhi Ball Diamond at the Delhi Kinsmen Sports Complex/Multi-Purpose Room at the Delhi Arena - 144 Western Avenue, Delhi
  • Spaces left
    9

  Register

  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: June 23rd, 2025

  TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  LOCATION: Delhi Ball Diamond at the Delhi Kinsmen Sports Complex/Multi-Purpose Room at the Delhi Arena - 144 Western Avenue, Delhi

  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.

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 3

  • Start
    07 Jul 2025
  • End
    28 Jul 2025
  • Location
    Online-Zoom

  Register

  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 plantcaping, 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 and Q&A session presented online on the afternoons of July 14th,  July 21st, and July 28th with our instructor providing answers to any questions that attendees may have during each 1 week period. 

  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

  Show details
• Registered Playground Practitioner Program

  • Start
    28 Jul 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    31 Jul 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Sea Cadet Building - 219 Victoria St S, Woodstock, ON N4S 3K3
  • Spaces left
    22

  Register

  Event Details:

  Ontario Parks Association (OPA) has developed the Registered Playground Practitioner Program to meet the needs of those involved and responsible for the hands-on inspections and maintenance of public playspaces and playground facilities.

  PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO COURSE: 

  - Course length is now only 4 days in length! 

  - Exam to be taken online; to be completed by 4:00 p.m. August 7th, 2025.

  - Practitioner Registration for the course will now be valid for 4 years, and then mandatory update/refresher will be necessary.

  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 (sharing books is not permitted). Attendees can choose to either use the PDF version and bring it 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) or the hard copy of the book. Books can be purchased at the CSA Online Shop.

  
  

  Safe Play - A High Priority

  Ontario Parks Association places a high priority and commitment on the provision of safe play structures in our public spaces. We want to help ensure that they are safe and accessible. OPA also emphasizes the strong need to educate caregivers, supervisors and others about the benefits of positive and safe play experiences for our children.

   

  What You Will Learn

  Attending this course will teach you about significantly lowering the risk of injuries in play areas by providing a safe outdoor learning experience for all. This course uses the CSA-Z614-20, Children's Playspaces and Equipment, as a base document for the three independent sections of the course. Ontario Parks Association instructors include experts from the industry including an architect, liability expert, lawyer, representative of the CSA Standards Association and others to give in-depth training on the following topics and includes an on-site demonstration at a local playground structure:

  
  

  Playspace Strategies	Playspace Evaluation	Playspace Management
  playspace requirements	playvalue and hazard identification	liability and insurance
  playability	inspection and maintenance	due diligence
  access/egress requirements	surfacing evaluation	contractual obligations
  playspace design	record keeping	risk management
  age appropriate issues	CSA overview	owner/operator responsibilities
  playspace materials	corrective actions	employee/manager responsibilities
  playspace construction		playvalue and practical choices

  
  

  Upon completion of the program and achievement of a passing grade in the written examination(s) the participant will be registered by Ontario Parks Association as a "Playground Practitioner" and is qualified to inspect playgrounds.

   

  OPA Registered Playground Practitioner Program is recognized as a playground safety course for inspectors by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

  
  

  PLEASE NOTE: meals are not provided at this training session. Attendees will be required to bring their own lunch, coffee and snacks.

  This course will now require an update/refresher every 4 years OR when there is an update to the standard, after successful completion of the course. 

  
  

  DATE: July 28th - July 31st, 2025

  TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  LOCATION: Sea Cadet Building - 219 Victoria St S, Woodstock, ON N4S 3K3

  
  

  
  

  
  

  COURSE COST

  OPA Member: $1,358.00

  OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00

  
  

  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).

  Show details
• 69th Annual Parks Education Forum - Sponsors

  • Start
    25 Sep 2025
  •  
    7:30 AM
  • End
    26 Sep 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Club Italia, Niagara Falls

  Register

  Sponsorship Opportunities for The 69th Annual Parks Education Forum

  Taking place in Niagara Falls

  Date: Thursday September 25th and Friday September 26, 2024

  
  

  The following sponsorship opportunities are available:

  Thursday September 25, 2025

  Breakfast Sponsor : $ 500.00

  Tours: $500.00

  BBQ Lunch  - $500.00

  OPA Networking Social and dinner : $1000.00

  
  

  Friday September 13, 2024

  Breakfast and mid-morning break sponsor : $500.00

  Lunch and mid-afternoon break sponsor: $500.00

  Education Speaker 1: $400.00

  Education Speaker 2: $400.00

  Education Speaker 3: $400.00

  
  

  All Sponsorship purchased includes the following:

  Recognition in Promotional Materials and at Event

  Company Name in Green Sward

  Company Name on OPA Website with Link

  New this year: a half page ad in our Green Sward

  
  

  Click here to sponsor our forum

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• 69th Annual Parks Education Forum

  • Start
    25 Sep 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    26 Sep 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Club Italia, Niagara Falls
  • Spaces left
    277

  Register

  OPA is thrilled to host our 69th Annual Education Forum in the city of Niagara Falls.

  CO-HOSTED BY THE CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS AND THE NIAGARA PARKS COMMISSION

  Day 1: September 25th : Registrants will join other Park professionals for a delicious catered breakfast . After Breakfast attendees and vendors will join the Niagara Parks Commission for a tour of The School of Horticulture, The Butterfly Conservatory and Dufferin Islands. Transportation will be provided by the Niagara Parks Commission.

  OPA will be hosting its 3rd annual BBQ at Fireman's Park for lunch. Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and a Vegan/Gluten Free option will be available. Soft drinks and water as well as small bag of chips will be offered.  Cash will only be accepted. 

  After the BBQ, the city of Niagara Falls will take you on a tour of Fireman's Park which  has a dog park, Disc golf, a creative playground, basketball court as well as trails.

  During the evening at 6:00 pm, OPA will welcome registrants back to the venue for a catered dinner and live entertainment provided by Electric Popsicle . Alcoholic and Non- Alcoholic beverages will be available .  Vendors will be set up and ready to showcase their services for you. 

  Day 2: September 26: OPA will have our 3 speakers  as well as Parks and Recreation related vendors. Time will be set aside to visit with the vendors. There will be raffles for great prizes and breakfast and lunch are included with your ticket.

  Speaker Details  will be announced in the next few weeks as our Forum committee is determining based on your feedback in Belleville, what topics you want to learn about. 

  We expect a large turnout for this event so register early and secure your spots. 

  Show details
• Vendor Table Tops

  • Start
    25 Sep 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    26 Sep 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls ON L2H 0T9
  • Spaces left
    14

  Register

  69th Annual Parks Education Forum is being held in NIAGARA FALLS on

  September 25th and 26th 2025.

  
  

  This event is being co-hosted by

  The city of Niagara Falls and The Niagara Parks Commission

                            
  

  Details:  This year OPA is heading to Niagara Falls for our 69th Annual Parks Education Forum. This 2 day event will feature the first day with tours (which vendors are encouraged to attend)of The School of Horticulture, The Butterfly Conservatory and Dufferin Islands as well as Fireman's Park,  a BBQ hosted by OPA  as well as dinner at the venue followed by a social networking event with live entertainment provided by Electric Popsicle

  For this year's forum we are changing it up based on your feedback.  We are having 3 speakers over the course of the day. Breaks are 45 minutes and lunch is one hour. This will provide our attendees at least 3 hours to network with our vendors on  day two. 

  Also included is a half page ad in our Green Sward and you can choose which season to place your ad in. 

  30  8' tables will be set up around the insider perimeter of our meeting room, and  creating an intimate networking opportunity for vendors and parks professionals. Time will be allotted prior to the official start of the day and during breaks throughout the day for event attendees to meet and chat with vendors. Showcase your products and services to industry professionals from across Ontario. Create new relationships. Re-connect with existing customers. 

  Table Top Selection -  Our system records the date of your registration and the assignment of tables is on a first come basis. This way we will not put you beside a competitor and once all registration is closed, we will go down the list, in order of registration and assign tables. OPA will contact you via email or phone according to registration date and ask you for your table preference, you will have 24 hours to respond before we move onto the next vendor. I will email all vendors ahead of time to give you a heads up. Registration is confirmed once payment is received.   Register Early to get your preferred table location. 

  OPA Member Fees 
  

  • OPA Member Early Bird Rate: September 25th only: $650 (Register by April 30, 2025)
  • OPA Member Late Bird Rate: September 25th only $750.00 (starts May 1, 2025)
  • OPA Member Early Bird Rate: $1450.00 for both days (Register by April 30, 2025)
  • OPA Member Late Bird Rate: $ 1600.00 for both days (starts May 1, 2025)
  • Additional Meal Ticket for September 26th only : $120.00
  • Additional Ticket for Social Networking Event (includes dinner and late night buffet): $150.00

  
  

  Potential Member Fees 

  • Potential Member Early Bird Rate: $1600.00 for both days
    
  • Potential Member Early Bird Rate: September 26th only: $900
    
  • Potential Member Late Bird Rate: September 26th only: $950
    
  • Potential Member Late Bird Rate: $1800.00 for both days
    
  • Additional Meal Ticket for September 26th only: $120.0
  • Additional Ticket for Social Networking Event: $150.00

  Please note above price includes buffet breakfast and dinner and late night buffet for ONE on September 25th and breakfast and lunch on September 26th. Meal tickets for additional representatives must be purchased ahead of the event. All company representatives attending MUST be registered in advance.

  Two day Registration includes social event ticket on September 25th, 2025

  OPA encourages you to register early as we expect this event to be sold out due to changes in the schedule and the location based on feedback. 

  OPA  wishes to thank you for your continued support!

  To Register as a vendor please click here

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Sports Turf Maintenance

  • Start
    23 Oct 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    24 Oct 2025
  •  
    12:30 PM
  • Location
    Online
  • Spaces left
    30

  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).

  
  

  Show details