This program has been created by the Ontario Parks Association, the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association and the Sports Turf Association in response to supporting the training needs of members who work in both facilities and in park and open space operations.
To complete this program, a practitioner must successfully complete the following three courses: Parks Maintenance and Operations; Parks Equipment Safety Operation; and Sports Turf Management and Maintenance. In addition, the practitioner must have a minimum Grade 12 education; be a member in good standing of the OPA or the ORFA or the STA; maintain current WHMIS and Standard First Aid training; and have a minimum of 24 months practical work experience in the parks and open space industry.
Each course is taught using a combination of classroom-based study and some hands-on training. Participants are expected to be able to return to their workplace and utilize the skills and knowledge they have learned in the courses. The hands-on portion of each course requires participants to arrive in appropriate work clothes including CSA-approved footwear.
This Ontario Recreation Facilities Association course is designed to introduce recreation facility personnel to the principles and techniques of parks maintenance and operations. It will be of interest to those professionals who maintain parks as a part of their responsibilities, or to those who wish to develop new knowledge and skills in this area. Facilitators will provide demonstrations and tours emphasizing practical applications of the course content.
Topics include:
- Parks maintenance and operation principles and techniques
- Horticultural landscaping and maintenance
- Estimating, tendering and construction of parks facilities
- Playground equipment maintenance, inspection and standards
- Site fixtures and furniture
- Sports facility and sports field maintenance and operation
- Turf maintenance and techniques
- Safe use and operation of equipment
- Current issues and trends
This Ontario Parks Association course is designed to help enhance the competencies of experienced employees, while setting the right foundation blocks for those being introduced to the world of green space maintenance and management.
Working safely in a parks environment requires a comprehensive understanding of the tasks at hand and the equipment designed to effectively and efficiently perform the work. Today’s recreation practitioners must be able to function in various capacities.
Participants will gain first hand exposure to industry best practices, and are expected to complete their professional development experience by participating in workplace specific training once they return to the workplace. With the knowledge gained from Park Maintenance and Operation and the Sports Turf Management and Maintenance courses, participants will learn the skills required for the safe operations of small hand tools and larger grass cutting and turf care equipment.
Topics include:
- Equipment dealership tour for a ‘ride and drive’
- On-site safety demonstrations of a farm tractor, loader and wide area mower
- Fuel safety awareness and small tools safety
- Fleet and maintenance management, commercial vehicle operators registration, licenses, log books, weight and trailer use, etc.
- Hands-on training for equipment, grass mowers, pushmowers, weed trimmers and chain saws
- Latest industry-related information on: accident reporting, sun exposure, personal protective equipment, West Nile virus, needles/disposal, Bill C-45, bee stings, poison ivy, etc.
- Litter collection and recycling equipment
The Sports Turf Association course is designed to introduce the latest principles and techniques of managing and maintaining sports turf. The course will be of interest to those who manage or maintain sports turf, other turf areas, and/or those who wish to develop additional knowledge and skills in this important field. The course offers a range of options to deal with issues such as restricted pesticide use, restricted water use, and how best to manage with limited financial resources.
Topics include:
- Turf species and their uses, characteristics and benefits, emphasizing the latest and best varieties for particular uses
- An overview of the identification, monitoring and control of diseases, insects, and weeds in sports turf
- Integrated pest management (IPM) programs to recognize and monitor infestations of diseases, insects and weeds, to identify thresholds, to reduce pesticide use, and to utilize biological and cultural methods to control/reduce infestations
- Soils as a much needed medium for growth and fertility and often the basis for resolving many problems
- Water management including sub-surface and surface drainage systems, irrigation practices and systems and the efficient use of water and weather information for managing improvements under water restrictions with a full module on irrigation
- Cultural practices which enhance and promote good turf and improved playing conditions
- Sports field construction including proper design, layout, orientation and the hidden aspects for good turf
- Renovations and restoration methods for poorly performing fields and best practices which promote good conditions and improved maintenance practices
Download Park and Open Space Professional Training Program - Level I brochure
The Parks and Open Space Alliance is a coalition of the Ontario Parks Association, the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association and the Sports Turf Association dedicated to strengthening parks and open space practitioners through professional development, recognition and advocacy. For more information, please visit…
- Ontario Parks Association www.opassoc.on.ca
- Ontario Recreation Facilities Association www.orfa.com
- Sports Turf Association www.sportsturfassociation.com
VALUES
Professional Development - provides education and resources that meets industry needs.
Recognition - acknowledges professional competency.
Advocacy - supports and represents leadership within the profession.
