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Protecting Tomorrow Today®

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Calendar of Events

Click here to see the full list of courses OPA offers.

 

For your convenience and to help stretch your budget dollars, OPA will bring any of the courses listed here to your municipality or organization. We encourage you to let us know if you are interested even if you can only send one or two staff. We will combine your training with neighbouring organizations. Not only will this provide valuable training, but also foster and facilitate communication and experience sharing among your local and neighboring organizations. Call today to register and we will assist you through the process. 


Please click here to view OPA’s Registration Policies including:

  • Cancellation / Substitution and Transfer Policy
  • Privacy Statement
  • Waiver / Disclaimer

Upcoming events

    • 19 Mar 2024
    • 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Pickering Operations Centre - 1955 Clements Road, Pickering-Training Room
    Register

    This one day Train the Trainer Workshop will teach attendees how to prepare for and execute presentations and training sessions. This course focuses on adult learning techniques and meeting the needs of your trainees. 


    This course will cover how to:

    • Prepare for presentations
    • Communicate clearly and effectively
    • Teach theory and practical application
    • Conduct theory and practical testing
    • Deal with difficult behaviour
    • Manage challenges like poor teamwork and being understaffed 
    • Keep attendees engaged
    • Handle questions and answer periods
    • Stay on time
    • Wrap up training sessions

    Course Date : March 19th 2024

    Course Time : 7:00AM - 3:00PM

    Course Location : Pickering Operations Centre - 1955 Clements Road, Pickering-Training Room

    Parking on the east side of the building (beside the soccer dome). Enter through the main doors on east side.

    REGISTERE HERE !

    • 08 Apr 2024
    • 8:00 AM
    • 12 Apr 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • Davidson Centre 601 Durham Street, Kincardine, ON.
    • 18
    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.

    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 CAN/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
    space 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.


    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.


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

    Click here to read our Registration Policies




      DATE: April8th-12th, 2024

      TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

      LOCATION: Davidson Centre - 601 Durham Street, Kincardine, ON.


      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).


      Click here to read our registration policies.

      • 09 Apr 2024
      • 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
      • Pickering Operations Centre, 1955 Clements Road, Pickering (use main entrance on the east side of the building).
      • 26
      Register

      OPA is happy to announce that, in partnership with the City of Toronto, we are able to introduce our Parks Encampments: Outreach & Response One Day Workshop to our members.

      Park Encampments:  Outreach and Response is a full day workshop designed to provide information to Parks and municipal staff dealing with encampments; exploring best practices, safe operating procedures and sharing experiences.  The workshop will provide an overview on understanding the scope of this complex issue, contributing factors to homelessness and the need for creating a coordinated response team.  Participants will learn about tools to track encampments, provide outreach and engage with clients.  The workshop focuses on staff roles and responsibilities, best practices in staff training for both hard and soft skills and shares information about tools and equipment needed to work on all types of terrain and park areas.  This course also covers strategic thinking and innovative ideas as well as ideas to keep parks spaces open, safe and accessible for all.  This workshop encourages information and idea sharing, as well as group discussion around shared concerns to help all participants gain a deeper understanding of how to offer outreach and respond to encampments in public greenspace.

      Running April 9th 29th, 2024 from 8 AM to 3:30 PM, this one day workshop will provide attendees with information on best practices for interacting with and handling encampments in our public parks. This course will be structured as a combination of seminar presentation and open discussion. We look forward to opening up a conversation with attendees on this sensitive and highly relevant topic, and discussing solutions to your municipality’s concerns.

      Location: Pickering Operations Centre, 1955 Clements Road, Pickering (use main entrance on the east side of the building).


      If you are interested, please don’t hesitate to sign up, as spots will be limited.

      • 11 Apr 2024
      • 8:00 AM
      • 12 Apr 2024
      • 4:00 PM
      • 477 Ofield Rd. South in Dundas, unit 6
      • 4
      Register

       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: April 11th & 12th, 2024
      TIME: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
      LOCATION: Indoor : 477 Ofield Rd. South in Dundas, unit 6 GPS Coordinates: 

      • 43.294204040163294, -79.98141405376838

      Outdoor : 1188 Governors Rd., Dundas. ON


      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).

      Click here to read our registration policies.


      • 22 Apr 2024
      • 8:00 AM
      • 26 Apr 2024
      • 5:00 PM
      • 333 McKinney Drive Whitby, Ont. L1R 3M2
      • 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.

      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 CAN/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
      space 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.


      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.


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

      Click here to read our Registration Policies




        DATE: April 22 - April 26, 2024

        TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

        LOCATION: 333 McKinney Drive Whitby, Ont. L1R 3M2 


        COURSE COST

        OPA Member: $1,358.00

        OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00


        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).


        Click here to read our registration policies.

        • 15 May 2024
        • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
        • 4255 Matchette Rd, Windsor, ON N9C
        • 0
        Join waitlist

        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 15th, 2024

          TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

          LOCATION:  4255 Matchette Road, Windsor, Ontario N9C 0C4


          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.

          Click here to read our registration policies.


          • 21 May 2024
          • 8:30 AM
          • 22 May 2024
          • 4:30 PM
          • Havelock Community Centre- 39 George Street East, Havelock, ON K0L 1Z0
          • 15
          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: May 21st & 22nd, 2024

          TIME: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

          LOCATION: Havelock Community Centre- 39 George Street East, Havelock, ON K0L 1Z0

          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.

          Click here to read our registration policies.

          • 22 May 2024
          • 9:30 AM
          • 23 May 2024
          • 4:00 PM
          • McMaster University 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton Ontario - Campus Services Building B109 -
          • 0
          Registration is closed

          In partnership with the Ontario Trails Council, OPA offers this two-day course as an introduction to understand professional trail development and how it relates to trail maintenance. You will receive instruction on how to observe, detect, document and mitigate potential risk resulting from poor trail design, construction and maintenance. 


          This workshop combines in classroom theory and hands-on experiences. Participants will leave the course with a tool kit on how to create and implement a successful trail maintenance program. This course will cover all types of trails from natural surface single track to 3 metre wide crushed aggregate. 


          This course will cover:

          • Overview of Professional Trail Development
          • The Science and Art of Trail Building
          • Maintenance of Trails
          • Environmental Impacts
          • Liability Issues
          • Handwork and Trail Construction Techniques


          Participants are required to have a CSA approved hard hat, safety glasses, closed toe safety shoes/boots, and gloves. It is also recommended that the participant bring with them the following equipment to allow the opportunity for it to be integrated into the course and suit the specific needs/wants and desires of the participants.
          • Pin flags
          • Clinometer 
          • Pulaski
          • Mcleod rake
          • And/or any other trail building tools/equipment the organization, government agency or participant intends to use for trail design, building and maintenance. 

          DATE: May 22nd & 23rd 2024

          TIME: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

          LOCATION:  McMaster University 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton Ontario - Campus Services Building B109 

          Campus Map Below - Campus Services Building is Building 31 

          Parking can be in Lot M. 



          COURSE COST

          OPA Member: $433.00

          OPA Potential Member: $699.00


          *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 both days.

          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).

          Click here to read our registration policies.


          • 21 Jun 2024
          • 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
          • P&H Centre 269 7th Ave. Hanover Ontario
          • 0
          Registration is closed

          The Ministry of Labour requires that all parks professionals who use a chainsaw on the job must be trained in the safe operation of a chainsaw. This one-day course is designed for those who will use a chainsaw for limbing, bucking and felling small trees (smaller than 5” dbh) and limbs that are on the ground. Course participants will be educated about chainsaw safety, maintenance, use and handling.

          The course will cover:  

          • Chainsaw safety
          • Starting and stopping techniques
          • Chainsaw maintenance
          • PPE
          • Limbing and bucking
          • Technical cutting & small tree felling


          **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 7 eyelets)
          • Full leg chaps or chainsaw pants with UL label that is visible (3, 000 feet per minute (FPM) or greater)


          DATE: Friday June 21st, 2024

          TIME: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

          LOCATION: P&H Centre 269 7th Ave. Hanover Ontario

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

          This course counts as 1 credit towards your Parks Practitioner Designation.

          Please note that lunch will not be provided at this training. We encourage you to bring a bagged lunch and reusable water bottle with you for the day.

          https://ontarioparksassociation.ca/event-5527103

          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).

          Click here to read our registration policies.

          Thank you and we hope to see you there!



          • 24 Jun 2024
          • 8:00 AM
          • 28 Jun 2024
          • 5:00 PM
          • Operations Centre – 1 Killaly Street West Port Colborne L3K 6H1
          • 11
          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.

          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 CAN/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
          space 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.


          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.


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

          Click here to read our Registration Policies




            DATE: June 24th-28th, 2024

            TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

            LOCATION: (Operations Centre) – 1 Killaly Street West Port Colborne L3K 6H1


            COURSE COST

            OPA Member: $1,358.00

            OPA Potential Member: $1,605.00


            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).


            Click here to read our registration policies.

            • 25 Jun 2024
            • 8:30 AM
            • 26 Jun 2024
            • 4:30 PM
            • Rockmosa Community Centre-110 Rockmosa Drive, Rockwood, Ontario, N0B 2K0
            • 11
            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 25th & 26th, 2024

            TIME: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

            LOCATION: Rockmosa Community Centre - 110 Rockmosa DriveRockwood, OntarioN0B 2K0

            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.

            Click here to read our registration policies.

            • 26 Jun 2024
            • 10:30 AM
            • Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course - 320 Balmoral Drive, Brantford
            • 103
            Register

            Date: Wednesday June 26, 2024 - Shotgun start at Noon!

            Location: Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course, 320 Balmoral Drive, Brantford, Ontario

            Golfer Registration: $175 per person early bird before May 1st, 2024

            Late Bird - May 1st through June 19th 2024 - $200 per person

            Not a golfer? Attend our dinner only for $100.00 and catch up and network with our attendees. 

            Registration and breakfast starts at 10:30am

            Price includes: Continental breakfast, Golf & cart, Dinner & contest prizes!

            Register now as space is Limited!



              • 26 Jun 2024
              • 11:00 AM
              • Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course - 320 Balmoral Drive, Brantford
              • 19
              Register

              Date:  Wednesday June 26, 2024

              Location: Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course - 320 Balmoral Drive, Brantford



              SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE ARE:


              Memorial Breakfast Package - $2500.00 - (Sold Out)

              • Recognition signage at each breakfast table
              • Name on clubhouse banner
              • Complimentary golf foursome
              • Complimentary Ad in the Green Sward Publication

                Memorial Dinner Package - $10,000 - (3 left@ $2,500 each)

                • Recognition signage at each dinner table
                • Name on clubhouse banner
                • Complimentary golf foursome
                • Complimentary Ad in the Green Sward Publication

                Golf Cart Package - $2,000 - (Sold Out)

                • Recognition signage on all tournament carts
                • Name on clubhouse banner
                • Complimentary golf foursome
                • Complimentary Ad in the Green Sward Publication

                The Hole Sponsor - $500 - (18 available)

                • Signage at tee
                • Name on clubhouse banner
                • Complimentary individual golfer

                Contest Hole Sponsor - $400

                • Signage at tee
                • Name on clubhouse banner

                Contest Options Include:

                • Closest to the Pin - Ladies
                • Closest to the Pin - Men
                • Longest Drive - Ladies
                • Longest Drive – Men
                • Putting Contest 
                • Closest to the Planter - Ladies
                • Closest to the Planter - Men




                  • 12 Sep 2024
                  • 7:30 AM
                  • 13 Sep 2024
                  • 4:00 PM
                  • Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, 265 Cannifton Road, Belleville ON
                  Register

                  Sponsorship Opportunities

                  Date: Thursday September 12th and Friday September 13, 2024
                  Event Location: Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, 265 Cannifton Road, Belleville ON


                  This year OPA is heading east to the city of Belleville

                  The following sponsorship opportunities are available:

                  Thursday September 12, 2024

                  Breakfast Sponsor : $ 350.00

                  Tour of Belleville: $375.00

                  OPA BBQ Lunch  - $500.00

                  OPA Networking Social and dinner : $1000.00


                  Friday September 13, 2024

                  Breakfast and mid-morning break sponsor : $425.00

                  Lunch and mid-afternoon break sponsor: $425.00

                  Education Speaker 1: $400.00

                  Education Speaker 2: $400.00

                  Education Speaker 3: $400.00

                  Education Speaker 4: $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


                  Note:  All prices are HST free.

                  Click here to sponsor our forum





                  • 12 Sep 2024
                  • 8:00 AM
                  • 13 Sep 2024
                  • 4:00 PM
                  • Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, 265 Cannifton Road, Belleville ON
                  • 287
                  Register

                  OPA is thrilled to host our 67th Annual Education Forum in the city of Belleville.

                  Day 1: September 12th : Registrants will join other Park professionals for a delicious catered breakfast . After Breakfast the city of Belleville will host OPA registrants with tours of their beautiful city and facilities.

                  OPA will be hosting its 2nd annual BBQ at one of Belleville's parks for lunch. Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and a Vegan 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 tours, we will gather back at the venue for a round table discussion

                  During the evening at 7:00 pm, OPA will welcome registrants back to the venue for a catered dinner and live entertainment. Alcoholic and Non- Alcoholic beverages will be available . Cash only. Vendors will be set up and ready to showcase their services for you. 

                  Day 2: September 13: OPA will have our 4 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.

                  OPA has secured a preferred rate with Fairfield Inn and Suites. Please click here to reserve a room with them

                  More details will follow throughout the coming months

                  To register your team, please click here


                  • 12 Sep 2024
                  • 8:00 AM
                  • 13 Sep 2024
                  • 4:00 PM
                  • Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, 265 Cannifton Road, Belleville ON
                  • 16
                  Register

                  Details:  This year OPA is heading to Eastern Ontario to the beautiful city of Belleville for our 67th Annual Parks Education Forum. This 2 day event will feature the first day with tours (which vendors are encouraged to attend) a BBQ hosted by OPA  as well as dinner at the venue followed by a social networking event with a live band. September 13th the forum will proceed as usual.  

                  25  6' 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. Time will be set aside to visit the vendor tables.

                  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 13th only: $650 (Register by June 1, 2024)
                  • OPA Member Late Bird Rate: September 13th only $750.00 (starts June 2, 2024)
                  • OPA Member Early Bird Rate: $1350.00 for both days (Register by June 1, 2024)
                  • OPA Member Late Bird Rate: $ 1450.00 for both days (starts June 2, 2024)
                  • Additional Meal Ticket for September 13th only : $100.00
                  • Additional Ticket for Social Networking Event (includes dinner): $140.00

                  Potential Member Fees 

                  • Potential Member Early Bird Rate: September 13th only $800 
                  • Potential Member Late Bird Rate: September 13th only: $950
                  • Potential Member Early Bird Rate: $1500.00 for both days
                  • Potential Member Late Bird Rate: $1600.00 for both days
                  • Additional Meal Ticket for September 13th only: $100.0
                  • Additional Ticket for Social Networking Event: $140.00

                  Please note above price includes buffet breakfast and dinner for ONE on September 12th and breakfast and lunch on September 13th. 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 12th, 2024



                  Interested in being a sponsor? Click Here


                  • 16 Sep 2024
                  • 8:00 AM
                  • 19 Sep 2024
                  • 5:00 PM
                  • 640 Ellis Rd, Cambridge, ON N3C 4N1
                  • 25
                  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. September 25th, 2024.

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

                  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 CAN/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
                  space 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.


                  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.


                  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 after successful completion of the course. 

                  Click here to read our Registration Policies


                    DATE: September 16th - 19th, 2024

                    TIME: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

                    LOCATION: 640 Ellis Rd, Cambridge, ON N3C 4N1


                    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).

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