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, 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
- space requirements
- playability
- access/egress requirements
- playspace design
- age appropriate issues
- playspace materials
- playspace construction
PLAYSPACE EVALUATIONS
- playvalue and hazard identification
- inspection and maintenance
- surfacing evaluation
- record keeping
- CSA overview
- corrective actions
PLAYSPACE MANAGEMENT
- liability and insurance
- due diligence
- contractual obligations
- risk management
- owner/operator responsibilities
- employee/manager responsibilities
- 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 30 - November 3, 2017
(please note this course falls on Halloween)
TIME:
8:00am to 5:00pm
LOCATION:
EO&TC, Fire Station #12, Byron (Emergency Operations & Training Center)
275 Boler Road
London, ON N6K 2J9
PRACTICAL LOCATION: SPRINGBANK PARK (across the street) 1085 Commissioners Road West
The course will start promptly at 8:00am each day and parking is available at the back of the building.
**Registration will close October 10, 2017**
COST:
OPA Members: $1,243.00
Non-Members: $1,469.00
PLEASE NOTE: meals are not provided at this training session. Attendees will be required to bring their own lunch, coffee and snacks.
