Ontario Parks Association (OPA)

Ontario Parks Association (OPA) OPA is a registered charitable non-profit that has been providing education and advocacy for parks and green spaces since 1936.

Purpose & Beliefs:
Ontario Parks Association (OPA) is committed to civic beautification, the advancement, protection and conservation of parks, open space and the environment as we practice "Protecting Tomorrow Today" in the province of Ontario. OPA, a non-profit, charitable organization founded in 1936, offers services emphasizing quality and accessible education and professional development, net

working, information, communication and advocacy for persons participating in the parks services. The following basic beliefs are central to OPA:
- We believe that parks, open spaces and natural environments are essential to the health and ecological integrity of our communities.
- We believe that all citizens have the right to enjoy access to a range of outdoor leisure opportunities. OPA strives to exemplify and be recognized for:
- professional commitment and enthusiasm for the importance of our work
- sincere and unyielding dedication to the environment
- the accessibility of our parks, offices and our profession
- commitment to cooperation, partnerships and strategic alliances
- practical, "hands-on" approach

Accomplishments
The OPA actively pursues the challenges facing today's professionals. Briefs, resolutions and policies concerning parks and open spaces are prepared for members and for presentation to the Provincial Government. These initiatives inform and assist members and the government in fully understanding and responding to pertinent issues. The OPA strives to assist municipalities in various aspects of parks operations and development, including smaller communities requiring consultation on Parks management. Long and short-term goals are established to guide and direct the OPA's mandate. The OPA, with the University of Guelph, developed and introduced the "Ontario Diploma in Horticulture (ODH)" which through a variety of correspondence and extension learning programs provides training opportunities. The Ontario Parks Association Foundation provides financial assistance through educational bursaries and scholarships to persons interested in Parks, the environment and related studies. The Association's newsletter, the "Green Sward" is published quarterly, providing members with information on the latest developments in parks and the environment fields across the province. Career opportunities, individual profiles, competitions, and information from the Executive and fellow OPA members and their communities are also included. The OPA through an EnAbling Change partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, created the "Playability Tool Kit, Building Accessible Playgrounds". A valuable resource for parks professionals, playspace designers, equipment manufacturers and installers, school councils, parent groups and community organizations.

What a fantastic day in Thamesford, Ontario at our recent Practical Ball Field Training! ⚾🌱We were fortunate to spend th...
06/05/2026

What a fantastic day in Thamesford, Ontario at our recent Practical Ball Field Training! ⚾🌱

We were fortunate to spend the day with an incredible group of dedicated parks and recreation professionals who brought enthusiasm, great questions, and a strong commitment to learning. From hands-on field preparation techniques to best practices in maintenance, it was a day full of valuable knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success — your energy and engagement made it truly memorable! 👏

We’re proud to support ongoing education and training opportunities across Ontario and look forward to seeing you at a future course.

🔋🌿 Power Up Your Knowledge This June! 🌿🔋Join us for the OPTIMUS X OPA Event — a hands-on day of learning, connection, an...
06/01/2026

🔋🌿 Power Up Your Knowledge This June! 🌿🔋

Join us for the OPTIMUS X OPA Event — a hands-on day of learning, connection, and innovation in battery-powered equipment!

📅 Wednesday, June 17, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Greenworks Center of Excellence, Holland Landing

👷‍♂️ Perfect for mechanics, operators, supervisors, managers, and procurement professionals, this interactive session will cover:
✔️ Proper charging techniques
✔️ Equipment maintenance best practices
✔️ Live product demonstrations

🍽️ Lunch is provided — come ready to learn and connect!

Hosted by our Partner in Education, Greenworks Commercial, this is your chance to experience cutting-edge technology in a state-of-the-art facility.

👉 Spots are limited — register now and don’t miss out!
https://ontarioparksassociation.wildapricot.org/event-6704405

🌿📸 SHOW US YOUR “SUMMER READY” SPACES! ☀️Is your park or greenspace looking its absolute best for the season? We want to...
05/29/2026

🌿📸 SHOW US YOUR “SUMMER READY” SPACES! ☀️

Is your park or greenspace looking its absolute best for the season? We want to see it!

The Ontario Parks Association is excited to launch our “Summer Ready” Photo Contest — a chance to showcase the incredible work happening in parks and public spaces across Ontario.

📷 How to Enter:
Submit your best photo of your park or greenspace ready for summer!

📧 Email your submission to:
[email protected]

🗓 Deadline to Enter: June 30, 2026
🏆 Winner Announced: July 7, 2026

🎉 What You Can Win:

Free course registration
Free Forum enrollment
Green Sward Article

Let’s celebrate the amazing spaces that bring our communities together. 🌳

⛳ Get Ready to Tee Off for a Great Cause!Join us for the 3rd Annual Dave Gower and Vic Hergott Memorial Golf Day — a day...
05/04/2026

⛳ Get Ready to Tee Off for a Great Cause!

Join us for the 3rd Annual Dave Gower and Vic Hergott Memorial Golf Day — a day filled with golf, connection, and community spirit!

📅 Wednesday, July 8, 2026
📍 Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course, Brantford
⏰ Shotgun Start at Noon

Whether you're hitting the greens or just joining us for dinner, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

🏌️‍♂️ What to Expect:
✔️ 18 holes of golf + cart
✔️ Continental breakfast & delicious dinner
✔️ Fun contests & amazing prizes
✔️ Networking with great people

💥 Early Bird pricing is available until May 31 — don’t miss out!

Not a golfer? No problem — grab a dinner ticket and still be part of the experience!

🎉 Sponsorship opportunities are also available (with perks like a complimentary foursome!)

🚨 Spots are limited and fill up fast!
Secure your spot today:
👉 https://ontarioparksassociation.ca/event-6680227

Let’s make this year’s tournament the best one yet — we’ll see you on the course! 🌿🏌️‍♀️

04/08/2026
🌱 Spring into Learning with OPA! 🌱As the parks season begins to bloom, it’s the perfect time to grow your skills and inv...
04/08/2026

🌱 Spring into Learning with OPA! 🌱

As the parks season begins to bloom, it’s the perfect time to grow your skills and invest in your team! 🌼

The Ontario Parks Association is offering a variety of training and educational opportunities designed to support parks and recreation professionals across the province. From risk management to hands-on, in-person courses, our programs are built to help your staff stay safe, confident, and ready for the busy season ahead.

🌿 Expand your knowledge
🌿 Build stronger, safer teams
🌿 Stay ahead of industry best practices

Whether you're looking to upskill your team or explore new certifications, OPA has something for everyone this spring!

👉 Check out our upcoming training opportunities and register today: https://ontarioparksassociation.ca/

Let’s make this season your strongest yet! 💪🌷

Ontario Parks Association (OPA), established in 1936, is a registered charitable organization whose focus is on Protecting Tomorrow Today®. Through our work as advocates for our parks and open spaces and the training we provide to parks professionals in Ontario, we are helping to preserve our livin...

🌳 Training Opportunities with the Ontario Parks Association! 🌳Looking to build skills, strengthen your team, and keep yo...
03/16/2026

🌳 Training Opportunities with the Ontario Parks Association! 🌳

Looking to build skills, strengthen your team, and keep your parks and recreation spaces safe and thriving? OPA offers a wide range of in-person and virtual training opportunities designed for municipal parks and recreation professionals.

From Chainsaw Training and Bridge Inspection to Trails Risk Management, Sports Turf Maintenance, and Community Gardens, there’s something for every parks professional looking to grow their expertise.

💻 Virtual webinars available
📍 Hands-on, in-person training opportunities

Interested in hosting a course or registering your team?

📩 Reach out to Kelsey today:
[email protected]

Let’s keep building stronger parks and safer communities across Ontario! 🌿

🌳 Municipal Career Opportunities in Parks & Landscape 🌳Looking to grow your career in municipal parks and public spaces?...
03/04/2026

🌳 Municipal Career Opportunities in Parks & Landscape 🌳

Looking to grow your career in municipal parks and public spaces? Check out these exciting opportunities:

📍 County of Brant
Landscape Designer
🗓️ Posting closes: March 16, 2026
Help shape and enhance beautiful public landscapes within a growing community.

📍 City of Cambridge
Director of Operations – Parks, Forestry and Cemetery
🗓️ Posting closes: March 25, 2026
Lead strategic operations and make a lasting impact on parks, forestry, and community spaces.

If you’re passionate about creating vibrant, sustainable outdoor environments, these roles offer the opportunity to make a meaningful difference at the municipal level.

👉 To learn more and apply, visit our website:
https://ontarioparksassociation.ca/EmploymentOpportunities

Don’t miss your chance — apply before the deadlines!

Hybrid Landscape - Landscape Maintenance & Construction General Labourer - For more information, contact [email protected]

02/19/2026

Ontario Parks Association is pleased to announce a new lineup of training opportunities and professional development events designed to help you grow your skills, connect with colleagues, and support the health and sustainability of our parks and communities.

Take a look at what’s coming up — and be sure to register early to secure your spot!

🌳Trails Risk Management - Level 2
️️🗓️Dates: March 3 & 5, 2026
💻Location: Online via Zoom
Advance your skills in managing risks on Trails building off of Level 1.

🌳Indoor Plant Maintenance Webinar
️️🗓️Date: March 26th, 2026
💻Location: Online via Zoom

An extensive guide to providing professional care to indoor plants in offices.

🌳Essentials Of Salt Management - Virtual
️️🗓️Date: March 27th, 2026
💻Location: Online via Zoom

Learn best practices for effective and environmentally responsible salt management in your community.

🌳Community Gardens Workshop
️️🗓️Dates: April 2nd, 2026
💻Location: Online via Zoom
Explore planning, operations, and risk considerations for successful community garden programs.

🌳Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 2
️️🗓️Dates: April 6 - April 27th, 2026
💻Location: Online via Zoom
Expand your horticulture knowledge with intermediate-level training focused on best practices and applied skills.

🛝Registered Playground Practitioner Program
️️🗓️Dates: April 7 – 10, 2026 | ⏰ 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍Location: 7 Gaukel Dr., St. George, Ontario, N0E 1N0
Comprehensive certification program covering inspection, maintenance, and risk management.

🌳2nd Annual OPA Chainsaw Safety Workshop
️️🗓️Dates: April 20th, 2026
📍Location: 2375 Vandorf Road, Stouffville, Ontario
Hands-on safety training focused on proper chainsaw operation and risk reduction.

🌳Book 7 Training
️️🗓️Dates: April 20, 2026
💻Location: Online via Zoom
Required training for professionals involved in road work and workplace safety.

🌳Registered Playground Practitioner Program
️️🗓️Dates: May 4 - May 7, 2026
📍Location: Alisa Craig Rec Centre, 155 Annie Ada Shipley Street, Ailsa Craig, Ontario
Comprehensive certification program covering inspection, maintenance, and risk management.

🌳Horticulture Practitioner Program - Level 3
️️🗓️Dates: June 1 - June 22, 2026
💻Location: Online via Zoom
Advance to Level 3 with senior-level horticulture training focused on leadership, planning, and advanced practices.

👉Don’t miss out — spaces fill quickly!
Visit www.ontarioparksassociation.ca to learn more and register today.

Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping Ontario’s parks clean, green, safe, and accessible for everyone.

Address

60 Water Street North
Cambridge, ON
N1R3B1

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+19058646182

Website

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