Technical Corner

October 7, 2026

When the ORFA first began offering industry education, employers often expected that we would solve their staff professional development needs in five days or less. At the time, that expectation was more manageable because community recreation facilities and operations shared many similarities. Refrigeration systems typically used ammonia and brine, pools were usually square concrete structures with diving boards, users-maintained sports fields, health and safety often meant little more than steel-toed boots, and liability was rarely discussed. Facilities and responsibilities have since evolved, but the industry’s approach to training has not kept pace.

ORFA’s role remains focused on collecting, evaluating, and sharing information and industry best practices. Rather than provide workplace training, ORFA offers educational pathways informed by frontline experience that practitioners can use as reference points in similar roles. Each operation remains responsible for interpreting and meeting its legislative and regulatory obligations. The ORFA supports this work by highlighting key requirements that affect the sector and by engaging with organizations and compliance agencies, so they understand the recreation landscape, its challenges, and its gaps. These relationships are a strategic investment in the recreation profession.

A recent ORFA Technical Corner examined how working in recreation differs from other environments. [More] Recreation still relies heavily on self-directed, learn-as-you-go practices. This approach is risky and expensive because mistakes become a costly substitute for experience, with the consequences often hidden or borne by taxpayers. A private business accountable to investors would be unlikely to accept this model, yet it remains common in recreation. Asset-management principles are expected to expose these practices and demand stronger financial stewardship to protect assets and public safety.

No governing agency can monitor every workplace. However, when an incident occurs, its review may be rigorous. Facility owners and supervisors are solely responsible for creating safe, compliant operations; that duty cannot be outsourced. Every recreation operation needs a workplace-specific training program. It may incorporate accreditation, support from suppliers and service contractors, and guidance from subject-matter experts, but it must be coordinated by someone who understands the operation and its legislative obligations. The ORFA can provide one cornerstone of this effort, while each facility must develop customized onboarding and ongoing professional development pathways that reflect its operation. [More]

Society has changed significantly over the past 50 years, yet many recreation operations still function much as they did when their doors first opened. Familiar practices can seem effective, and the cost of change often creates resistance. However, recreation facilities are complex workplaces that serve the public, including vulnerable users. Aging infrastructure increases risk, accountability for non-compliance has never been greater, and the demand for knowledgeable, competent practitioners will continue to grow. Be warned: there is no quick fix for facility training.

Additional Resources: 

• Recreation Worker Essential Health and Safety Training Guideline  
• A Guideline to Workplace Specific Trainer Skills and Responsibilities