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 parks and open space operations.
To complete this program, a practitioner must successfully complete three, four-day courses: Parks Maintenance and Operations; Parks and Landscaping Equipment Safety Operation; and Sports Turf Management and Maintenance. Each of the courses 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.
In order to successfully complete the program, participants must also have a minimum Grade 12 education, hold current membership in the OPA, the ORFA or the STA; hold current WHMIS and Standard First Aid training; and, have a minimum 24 months practical work experience in the parks and open space industry.
To complete the Level II program, a practitioner must have successfully completed Parks and Open Space Professional Training Program Level I and 12 POSA-recognized credits. In addition, the practitioner must be a member in good standing of the OPA, the ORFA or the STA; maintain current WHMIS and Standard First Aid training; and, have a minimum 60 months practical work experience in the parks and open space industry.
Parks and Open Space Professional Training Program Level I & Level II
Program & course description (pdf...) and application form (pdf...)