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ontario parks association

Protecting Tomorrow Today®

Education and Training

If you have questions or concerns about any of the OPA Training Sessions please click here to email the Training Department.





Our training would not be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors:   






Upcoming events

  • Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training- Two Day

    • 01 Apr 2019
    • 7:30 AM
    • 02 Apr 2019
    • 3:30 PM
    • City of Woodstock~ Cowan Park - 895 Ridgewood Drive, Woodstock, ON N4T 0A6
    • 9
    Register

    CHAINSAW SAFETY AWARENESS TRAINING -TWO DAY 


    The Department of Labour requires that all Parks Professionals who use chainsaws on the job be trained in their safe operation.

     

    This two (2) day seminar helps satisfy these requirements.

     

    The course will cover:


    • Safety Regulations and PPE
    • Identify and inspect 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
    • Hearing protection
    • Gloves
    • Eye protection
    • Safety boots
    • Full leg chaps or ballistic pants


    Date:

    April 1 & 2, 2019


    Time:

    7:30am to 3:30pm


    In-Class Location:

    Cowan Park
    895 Ridgewood Drive
    Woodstock, ON N4T 0A6

    Outdoor Location (6 minute drive):  Lion’s Trail entrance ~ 51 Bexley Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 5X7

    Lunch is NOT provided at this location – please bring a lunch, snacks and drinks (water etc..) both days. 

    Register online, payment can be made via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing. (905-864-6182, ext. 6710) .

    Show details

  • Registered Playground Practitioner Program

    • 08 Apr 2019
    • 8:00 AM
    • 12 Apr 2019
    • 5:00 PM
    • City of Cambridge ~ Hespeler Memorial Arena - 640 Ellis Rd, Cambridge, ON N3C 4N1
    • 12
    Register

    REGISTERED PLAYGROUND PRACTITIONER


    The 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

    The 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-Z614-14, Children's Playspaces and Equipment, as a base document for the three independent sections of the course.

     

    Intensive 4 1/2-Day Program

    The 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

    Principal Instructor Peter Kells

    Industrial Designer involved with the design of playground and recreation equipment since 1984. Involved with the writing of both the CSA playground standard and other international Standards. Executive member of IPA Canada (International Association for the Child's Right to Play). Playground Inspector since 2000.


    Upon completion of the program and achievement of a passing grade in the written examinations the participant will be registered by the Ontario Parks Association as a Playground Practitioner and thereby qualified to inspect playgrounds. 


    The 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 Z614-14 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 

    ( http://shop.csa.ca/en/canada/injury-prevention/cancsa-z614-14/invt/27019532014&bklist=icat,5,shop,publications,publicsafety,injuryprevention )

     


    DATE:

    April 8, 2019 - April 12, 2019



    TIME:
    Monday - Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm
    Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm

    LOCATION:

    Hespeler Memorial Arena ~ The Meeting Room
    640 Ellis Road
    Cambridge, ON N3C 4N1

    PRACTICAL LOCATION ON SITE


    The course will start promptly at 8:00am each day.



    COST:

    OPA Members: $1,268.00

    Non-Members: $1,498.00


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

    Show details

  • Train the Trainer Workshop

    • 17 Apr 2019
    • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • City of Barrie ~ City of Barrie Operations 165 Ferndale Dr. North Barrie, ON L4N 9V9
    • 25
    Register
    TRAIN THE TRAINER WORKSHOP

    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:

    • Preparation for presentations
    • Communication and presentation tips
    • How to teach theory and practical application
    • How to handle difficult behaviour
    • Challenge management
    • Engaging your attendees
    • How to conduct theory and practical testing
    • Handling question and answer periods
    • How to stay on time 
    • Wrapping up training sessions
    DATE: April 17, 2019
    TIME: 8:00am to 4:00pm

    LOCATION: 
    City of Barrie Operations - Conference Room #1
    165 Ferndale Dr. North
    Barrie, ON L4N 9V9


    COST:

    OPA Member: $247.80 per person

    Potential OPA Member: $345.90 per person


    **Lunch is not provided at this session please bring a bagged lunch**

    Register online, payment can be made via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing. 


    Show details

  • Irrigation Technician Workshop

    • 24 Apr 2019
    • 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Township of Guelph/Eramosa ~ Royal Distributing Athletic Performance Centre ~ Learning Room - 7384 Wellington Road 30, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2
    • 11
    Register

    IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN WORKSHOP


    This one-day Irrigation Workshop has been designed specifically for our front line Parks staff, addressing irrigation issues as they pertain to parks and sports fields. The morning session will take place in-class, with the afternoon  session consisting of outdoor demonstrations.

    Topics that will be covered:

    • Irrigation Service Spring and Fall
    • Service and Repairs with Demonstrations
    • Irrigation Controls 
    • New technologies - wireless soil monitoring, weather-based control and central control
    • A full afternoon of outdoor onsite demonstrations

    DATE: April 24, 2019

    TIME: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM 

    LOCATION:
    Royal Distributing Athletic Performance Centre ~ Learning Room 
    7384 Wellington Rd. 30
    Guelph, ON N1H 6J2


    Outdoor location: On Site

    COST:
    OPA Member: $247.80 per person
    Potential Member: $345.90 per person

    Lunch is not provided at this workshop, please bring a bagged lunch. Please wear closed toe shoes to this workshop.


    Show details

  • Ball Diamond Maintenance and Best Practices Workshop

    • 01 May 2019
    • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Town of Ingersoll ~ Victoria Park Community Centre - 355 Wellington St, Ingersoll, ON N5C 1T2
    • 23
    Register

    BALL DIAMOND MAINTENANCE AND BEST PRACTICES WORKSHOP

    Ball Diamond maintenance is a regular, necessary and costly procedure. Whether using stone dust, a mixture of clay, sand, original materials or the new diamond conditioners, amendments and materials, a similar process must be used. They all require regular grooming and good maintenance practices. This program will illustrate best practices and maintenance standards to your front line staff. A reasonable standard of maintenance is now a necessity because of risk management principles that indicate all diamonds should be maintained to a standard and level of acceptance equivalent to the municipalities around you. In the case of an incident, or an injury, that is what the lawyers are now using as a bench mark for a "standard of care".

    This course will cover:

    • Fundamentals of General Field Maintenance
    • Pitchers Mound Maintenance
    • A Front Line Worker's Role
    • Ball Diamond / Fields Checklist for Risk Management Objectives
    • Striping, Lining and Logos
    • Irrigation and Drainage on Infields
    • Dragging, Infield Grooming Practices and Equipment
    Date: May 1, 2019
    Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm

    Location:
    Victoria Park Community Centre   
    355 Wellington St
    Ingersoll, ON N5C 1T2  

    Outdoor location: On site
    ​

    Course Cost:
    OPA Member Price: $247.80
    Potential Member Price: $345.90

    **Lunch is not provided at this session please bring a bagged lunch**

    Register online, payment can be made via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing. 

    Show details

  • Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training- Two Day

    • 06 May 2019
    • 7:30 AM
    • 07 May 2019
    • 3:30 PM
    • Whitewater Region Municipal Office - Community Hall - 44 Main Street, Cobden, ON K0J 1K0
    • 2
    Register

    CHAINSAW SAFETY AWARENESS TRAINING -TWO DAY 


    The Department of Labour requires that all Parks Professionals who use chainsaws on the job be trained in their safe operation.

     

    This two (2) day seminar helps satisfy these requirements.

     

    The course will cover:


    • Safety Regulations and PPE
    • Identify and inspect 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
    • Hearing protection
    • Gloves
    • Eye protection
    • Safety boots
    • Full leg chaps or ballistic pants


    Date:

    May 6 & 7, 2019


    Time:

    7:30am to 3:30pm


    In-Class Location:

    Whitewater Region Municipal Office - Community Hall
    44 Main Street
    Cobden, ON K0J 1K0

    Outdoor Location: TBD

    Lunch is NOT provided at this location – please bring a lunch, snacks and drinks (water etc..) both days. 

    Register online, payment can be made via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing. (905-864-6182, ext. 6710) .

    Show details

  • Ball Diamond Maintenance and Best Practices Workshop

    • 08 May 2019
    • 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • City of Hamilton ~ Morgan Firestone Arena - 385 Jerseyville Rd W, Ancaster, ON L9G 3L5
    • 24
    Register

    BALL DIAMOND MAINTENANCE AND BEST PRACTICES WORKSHOP

    Ball Diamond maintenance is a regular, necessary and costly procedure. Whether using stone dust, a mixture of clay, sand, original materials or the new diamond conditioners, amendments and materials, a similar process must be used. They all require regular grooming and good maintenance practices. This program will illustrate best practices and maintenance standards to your front line staff. A reasonable standard of maintenance is now a necessity because of risk management principles that indicate all diamonds should be maintained to a standard and level of acceptance equivalent to the municipalities around you. In the case of an incident, or an injury, that is what the lawyers are now using as a bench mark for a "standard of care".

    This course will cover:

    • Fundamentals of General Field Maintenance
    • Pitchers Mound Maintenance
    • A Front Line Worker's Role
    • Ball Diamond / Fields Checklist for Risk Management Objectives
    • Striping, Lining and Logos
    • Irrigation and Drainage on Infields
    • Dragging, Infield Grooming Practices and Equipment
    Date: May 8, 2019
    Time: 9:00am - 4:30pm

    Location:
    Morgan Firestone Arena   
    385 Jerseyville Rd W
    Ancaster, ON L9G 3L5  

    Outdoor location: On site
    ​

    Course Cost:
    OPA Member Price: $247.80
    Potential Member Price: $345.90

    **Lunch is not provided at this session please bring a bagged lunch**

    Register online, payment can be made via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing. 

    Show details

  • Spray Pad Practitioner Training Program

    • 13 May 2019
    • 8:30 AM
    • 14 May 2019
    • 4:30 PM
    • City of Windsor~ Gino and Liz Marcus Community Complex - 1168 Drouillard Road, Windsor, ON N8Y 2R1
    • 11
    Register

    SPRAY PAD PRACTITIONER TRAINING PROGRAM

    With the increasing demand for spray pads in communities are you prepared to deal with the choices (and possibly trade-offs) that will need to be made when dealing with the installation of this type of equipment? Once through or recirculated, type of features required, type of surface, materials, location, understanding the context of the Health Act, responsibilities of owners, and water treatment and testing, all these options, questions and the need for a basic understanding of operations come to light with the installation of a spray pad.

    With these things in mind, Ontario Parks Association has developed a spray pad operations course that will help prepare participants to be able to confidently respond to these questions and more. This session is the first of its kind in North America, and promises to be an exciting addition to the training program line up currently offered by OPA. This two day Spray Pad Practitioner program will include both theory and practical, with a visit to a local spray pad being part of the training.

    Following is an overview of the items that will be addressed during this training:

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

    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. 

    DATE: May 13 & 14, 2019

    TIME: 8:30am - 4:30pm

    LOCATION: City of Windsor

    Gino and Liz Marcus Community Complex
    1168 Drouillard Road
    Windsor, ON N8Y 2R1

    SPRAY PAD PRACTICAL SITE: Gary Dugal Park 

    Course Costing:
    OPA Member Price: $403.80 
    Potential Member Price: $633.90

    ***Please wear closed toe shoes to the training session***

    Please note that lunch is NOT provided at this location – please bring a lunch, drinks and snacks for this session.

    To attend this training please register online. Payment can be made online, via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing (905-864-6182, ext. 6710).


    Show details

  • Ball Diamond Maintenance and Best Practices Workshop

    • 15 May 2019
    • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Township of Woolwich ~ Woolwich Memorial Centre - 24 Snyder Avenue South Elmira, ON N3B 1K8
    • 21
    Register

    BALL DIAMOND MAINTENANCE AND BEST PRACTICES WORKSHOP

    Ball Diamond maintenance is a regular, necessary and costly procedure. Whether using stone dust, a mixture of clay, sand, original materials or the new diamond conditioners, amendments and materials, a similar process must be used. They all require regular grooming and good maintenance practices. This program will illustrate best practices and maintenance standards to your front line staff. A reasonable standard of maintenance is now a necessity because of risk management principles that indicate all diamonds should be maintained to a standard and level of acceptance equivalent to the municipalities around you. In the case of an incident, or an injury, that is what the lawyers are now using as a bench mark for a "standard of care".

    This course will cover:

    • Fundamentals of General Field Maintenance
    • Pitchers Mound Maintenance
    • A Front Line Worker's Role
    • Ball Diamond / Fields Checklist for Risk Management Objectives
    • Striping, Lining and Logos
    • Irrigation and Drainage on Infields
    • Dragging, Infield Grooming Practices and Equipment
    Date: May 15, 2019
    Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm

    Location:
    Woolwich Memorial Centre ~ Community Centre   
    24 Snyder Ave. South
    Elmira, ON N3B 1K8  

    Outdoor location: On site
    ​

    Course Cost:
    OPA Member Price: $247.80
    Potential Member Price: $345.90

    **Lunch is not provided at this session please bring a bagged lunch**

    Register online, payment can be made via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing. 

    Show details

  • Trails Specialist Workshop

    • 15 May 2019
    • 8:30 AM
    • 16 May 2019
    • 4:30 PM
    • Niagara Parks Commission ~ School of Horticulture - 2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 6T2
    • 6
    Register
    TRAILS SPECIALIST WORKSHOP  

     

    This two day course is 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

    DATE: May 15 & 16, 2019
    TIME: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm both days
    LOCATION:
    Niagara Parks School of Horticulture
    2565 Niagara Parkway
    Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2
    OUTDOOR LOCATION: Queenston High Park ( 5 minute drive from in-class location)

    COURSE COST:

    OPA Member: $403.80

    Potential Member: $633.90


    Participants are required to have a CSA approved hard hat, safety glasses, closed toe safety shoes/boots, and gloves. 

    It is recommended that the participant bring with them the following equipment: 
    • 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. The idea behind having your own tools/equipment onsite is to allow the opportunity for it to be integrated into the course and suit the specific needs/wants and desires of the participants.

    Please note: A bagged lunch is required at this course
    This course is an Ontario Trails Council approved training program.
    Show details

  • Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training ~ One Day

    • 28 May 2019
    • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • City of Hamilton ~ Joe Sam's Leisure Park ~ Operations Shop - 752 Centre Road Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z7
    • 6
    Register

    CHAINSAW SAFETY AWARENESS TRAINING- ONE DAY


    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). 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
    DATE: May 28, 2019
    TIME: 8:00am to 4:00pm

    LOCATION:
    Joe Sam's Leisure Park ~ Operations Shop (please see map below)
    752 Centre Road
    Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z7

    Outdoor Location: On Site


    **PLEASE NOTE**

    PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE PROPER PPE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COURSE

    • Class E Type 2 helmet
    • hearing protection
    • gloves
    • eye protection
    • safety boots
    • full leg chaps or ballistic pants


    Lunch is NOT provided at this location – please bring a lunch for this day.

     

    Register online, payment can be made via PayPal, a cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing. (905-864-6182, ext. 6710 or 6720).

    Show details

  • Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training- Two Day

    • 03 Jun 2019
    • 8:00 AM
    • 04 Jun 2019
    • 4:00 PM
    • City of Hamilton ~Joe Sam's Leisure Park ~ Operations Shop - 752 Centre Road, Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z7
    • 6
    Register

    CHAINSAW SAFETY AWARENESS TRAINING -TWO DAY 


    The Department of Labour requires that all Parks Professionals who use chainsaws on the job be trained in their safe operation.

     

    This two (2) day seminar helps satisfy these requirements.

     

    The course will cover:


    • Safety Regulations and PPE
    • Identify and inspect 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
    • Hearing protection
    • Gloves
    • Eye protection
    • Safety boots
    • Full leg chaps or ballistic pants


    Date:

    June 3 & 4, 2019


    Time:

    8:00am to 4:00pm


    In-Class Location:

    Joe Sam's Leisure Park ~ Operations Shop (please see map)
    752 Centre Road
    Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z7

    Outdoor Location: On site


    Lunch is NOT provided at this location – please bring a lunch, snacks and drinks (water etc..) both days. 

    Register online, payment can be made via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing. (905-864-6182, ext. 6710) .

    Show details

  • Refresher Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training

    • 05 Jun 2019
    • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • City of Hamilton ~ Joe Sam's Leisure Park ~ Operations Shop - 752 Centre Road Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z7
    • 3
    Register

    REFRESHER CHAINSAW SAFETY AWARENESS TRAINING


    OPA requires Chainsaw Card Holders to refresh their knowledge of safe saw techniques every three 3 years. This one (1) day refresher seminar helps satisfy these requirements.


      NOTE: Only those who have attended the Two (2) Day OPA Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training course at least three years prior are eligible for this course. Once registered the OPA office will validate your eligibility to attend this training and we will then send an invoice for payment.

      Prerequisite: Successful completion of the OPA Two Day Parks Oriented Chainsaw Safety Training course.

      The course will cover:

      • PPE & Legislative Requirements 
      • Chainsaw Maintenance & Sharpening Techniques 
      • Safe Chainsaw Starting & Handling Practices 
      • Field Practices (Felling [Notching & Back Cutting], Bucking Techniques & Tools)

      DATE: June 5, 2019
      TIME: 8am -4pm
      LOCATION:
      Joe Sam's Leisure Park ~ Operations Shop (please see map below)
      752 Centre Road
      Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z7

      Outdoor Location: On site

        **PLEASE NOTE**
        PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE PROPER PPE IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COURSE

        • Class E Type 2 helmet
        • Hearing protection
        • Gloves
        • Eye protection
        • Safety Boots
        • Full leg chaps or ballistic pants

        Register online and pay by sending in a cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) to 102-8250 Lawson Road, Milton, ON L9T 5C6, or call into the office with a credit card for processing


        Lunch is NOT provided at this location – please bring a lunch

        Show details

      • Ball Diamond Maintenance and Best Practices Workshop

        • 12 Jun 2019
        • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
        • City of Kawartha Lakes ~ OPS Community Centre Facility - 2569 Hwy 7 Lindsay, ON K9V 4R4
        • 20
        Register

        BALL DIAMOND MAINTENANCE AND BEST PRACTICES WORKSHOP

        Ball Diamond maintenance is a regular, necessary and costly procedure. Whether using stone dust, a mixture of clay, sand, original materials or the new diamond conditioners, amendments and materials, a similar process must be used. They all require regular grooming and good maintenance practices. This program will illustrate best practices and maintenance standards to your front line staff. A reasonable standard of maintenance is now a necessity because of risk management principles that indicate all diamonds should be maintained to a standard and level of acceptance equivalent to the municipalities around you. In the case of an incident, or an injury, that is what the lawyers are now using as a bench mark for a "standard of care".

        This course will cover:

        • Fundamentals of General Field Maintenance
        • Pitchers Mound Maintenance
        • A Front Line Worker's Role
        • Ball Diamond / Fields Checklist for Risk Management Objectives
        • Striping, Lining and Logos
        • Irrigation and Drainage on Infields
        • Dragging, Infield Grooming Practices and Equipment
        Date: June 12, 2019
        Time: 8:00am - 4:00pm

        Location:
        OPS Community Centre Facility   
        2569 Hwy 7
        Lindsay, ON K9V 4R4

        Outdoor location: On site
        ​

        Course Cost:
        OPA Member Price: $247.80
        Potential Member Price: $345.90

        **Lunch is not provided at this session please bring a bagged lunch**

        Register online, payment can be made via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing. 

        Show details

      • Spray Pad Practitioner Training Program

        • 13 Jun 2019
        • 8:30 AM
        • 14 Jun 2019
        • 4:30 PM
        • Fleming Centre Beamsville - Meeting Room B ~ 5020 Serena Drive Beamsville, ON L0R 1B8
        • 3
        Register

        SPRAY PAD PRACTITIONER TRAINING PROGRAM

        With the increasing demand for spray pads in communities are you prepared to deal with the choices (and possibly trade-offs) that will need to be made when dealing with the installation of this type of equipment? Once through or recirculated, type of features required, type of surface, materials, location, understanding the context of the Health Act, responsibilities of owners, and water treatment and testing, all these options, questions and the need for a basic understanding of operations come to light with the installation of a spray pad.

        With these things in mind, Ontario Parks Association has developed a new spray pad operations course that will help prepare participants to be able to confidently respond to these questions and more. This session is the first of its kind in North America, and promises to be an exciting addition to the training program line up currently offered by OPA. This two day Spray Pad Practitioner program will include both theory and practical, with a visit to a local spray pad being part of the training.

        Following is an overview of the items that will be addressed during this training:

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

        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. 

        DATE: June 13 & 14, 2018

        TIME: 8:30am - 4:30pm

        LOCATION: Town of Lincoln

        Fleming Centre Beamsville - Meeting Room B
        5020 Serena Drive
        Beamsville, ON L0R 1B8

        SPRAY PAD PRACTICAL SITE: 
        Hilary Bald Park Splash Pad
        4485 Garden Gate Terrace  
        Beamsville, ON L0R 1B9

        Course Costing:
        OPA Member Price: $403.80 
        Potential Member Price: $633.90

        ***Please wear closed toe shoes to the training session***

        Please note that lunch is NOT provided at this location – please bring a lunch, drinks and snacks for this session.

        To attend this training please register online. Payment can be made online, via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing (905-864-6182, ext. 6710).


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      • Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training- Two Day

        • 19 Jun 2019
        • 8:00 AM
        • 20 Jun 2019
        • 4:00 PM
        • City of Belleville ~Parks Maintenance Building ~ Riverside Park 259 North Park Street Belleville, ON K8P 2Z2
        • 0
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        CHAINSAW SAFETY AWARENESS TRAINING -TWO DAY 


        The Department of Labour requires that all Parks Professionals who use chainsaws on the job be trained in their safe operation.

         

        This two (2) day seminar helps satisfy these requirements.

         

        The course will cover:


        • Safety Regulations and PPE
        • Identify and inspect 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
        • Hearing protection
        • Gloves
        • Eye protection
        • Safety boots
        • Full leg chaps or ballistic pants


        Date:

        June 19 & 20, 2019


        Time:

        8:00am to 4:00pm


        In-Class Location:

        Parks Maintenance Building ~ Riverside Park 
        259 North Park Street
        Belleville, ON K8P 2Z2

        Outdoor Location: On site

        Lunch is NOT provided at this location – please bring a lunch, snacks and drinks (water etc..) both days. 

        Register online, payment can be made via cheque (made payable to Ontario Parks Association) or by calling the OPA office with a credit card for processing. (905-864-6182, ext. 6710) .

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      • Registered Playground Practitioner Program

        • 28 Oct 2019
        • 8:00 AM
        • 01 Nov 2019
        • 5:00 PM
        • Town of East Gwillimbury ~ East Gwillimbury Sports Complex - 1914B Mt Albert Rd, Sharon, ON L0G 1V0
        • 27
        Register

        REGISTERED PLAYGROUND PRACTITIONER


        The 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

        The 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-Z614-14, Children's Playspaces and Equipment, as a base document for the three independent sections of the course.

         

        Intensive 4 1/2-Day Program

        The 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

        Principal Instructor Peter Kells

        Industrial Designer involved with the design of playground and recreation equipment since 1984. Involved with the writing of both the CSA playground standard and other international Standards. Executive member of IPA Canada (International Association for the Child's Right to Play). Playground Inspector since 2000.


        Upon completion of the program and achievement of a passing grade in the written examinations the participant will be registered by the Ontario Parks Association as a Playground Practitioner and thereby qualified to inspect playgrounds. 


        The 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 Z614-14 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 

        ( http://shop.csa.ca/en/canada/injury-prevention/cancsa-z614-14/invt/27019532014&bklist=icat,5,shop,publications,publicsafety,injuryprevention )

         


        DATE:

        October 28th - November 1st, 2019 (Please note the Thursday of this training falls on Halloween) 



        TIME:
        Monday - Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm
        Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm

        LOCATION:

        East Gwillimbury Sports Complex ~ Ontario Loft
        1914B Mt. Albert Road 
        Sharon, ON L0G 1V0

        Practical location is within a 5 minute walk


        The course will start promptly at 8:00am each day.



        COST:

        OPA Members: $1,268.00

        Non-Members: $1,498.00


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

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