Quality of Life Sector

CPSI Spring Course – Calgary – April 19-22, 2010

The Canadian Playground Safety Institute, in association with the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association, is offering a four day course for participants who wish to complete playground inspector certification training. This training is designed for owner/operators, health inspectors, daycare staff, maintenance/public works staff for schools, municipalities, housing complexes and other areas that contain public playspaces, private inspectors and contractors, manufacturers, installers, parks staff, insurance agents, etc. This playground safety education program helps individuals thoroughly understand the Canadian playspace safety standard from CAN/CSA Z614 “Children’s Playspaces and Equipment” and teaches participants how to conduct a hands-on inspection/ audit of a playspace.

The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) currently offers a Canadian Certified Playground Inspector certification through the Canadian Playground Safety Institute (CPSI) for individuals who complete the CPSI Theory and CPSI Practical Courses and achieve passing grades on both exams. The certification is valid for a three year period and can be renewed by completing a recertification exam either online or in the classroom. These courses are also open to participants outside of Alberta. Individuals who only want to take the Theory Course are welcome to attend. However, the Theory Course is a prerequisite for the Practical course, whether you complete it during this session, online or elsewhere at any time within the 12 months prior to the course. Inspectors with recently, or soon to be, expired certifications, may recertify by taking the Practical Course and rewriting the classroom recertification exam. If you are recertifying, please indicate your intent by marking the recertification box on the registration form.

If you have questions about these courses or certification, please contact CPSI by email at cpsi@cpra.ca, by phone toll-free at 1-877-536-2338 or visit the training and education/playground safety website pages at www.cpra.ca.

Course Information

• Theory- April 19-20, 2010
• Practical – April 21-22, 2010
• Renfrew Community Association, 828 – 8th Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta

We would like to thank our host, Parks Calgary, for their assistance with this event.
CPSI

Recreation and Parks Month Charter

Provincial Recreation & Parks Month – Benefits Charter

WHEREAS we are fortunate to have a variety of recreation and parks systems providing countless recreational opportunities for residents and visitors from around the world; and

WHEREAS, recreation enhances quality of life, balanced living and lifelong learning; helps people live happier and longer; develops skills and positive self image in children and youth; develops creativity; and builds healthy bodies and positive lifestyles; and

WHEREAS, recreation participation builds family unity and social capital; strengthens volunteer and community development; enhances social interaction; creates community pride and vitality; and promotes sensitivity and understanding to cultural diversity; and

WHEREAS, recreation, therapeutic recreation and leisure education are essential to the rehabilitation of individuals who have become ill or disabled, or disadvantaged, or who have demonstrated antisocial behavior; and

WHEREAS, the benefits provided by recreation and parks programs and service reduce healthcare and social service costs; serve to boost the economy, economic renewal and sustainability; enhance property values; attract new business; increase tourism; and curb employee absenteeism; and

WHEREAS, connecting children with nature is critical to their health, development and wellbeing, builds future environmental stewards, and promotes the sustainability of our natural spaces and environment; and

WHEREAS, our parks, open space and trails ensure ecological beauty; provide space to enjoy nature; help maintain clean air and water; and preserve plant and animal wildlife; and

WHEREAS, all levels of government, the voluntary sector and private enterprise throughout the Province participate in the planning, development and operation of recreation and parks programs, services and facilities;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association does hereby proclaim that June, which witnesses the greening of Alberta and serves as a significant gateway to family activities, has been designated as Recreation and Parks Month which will annually recognize and celebrate the benefits derived year round from quality public and private recreation and parks resources at the local, regional and provincial levels and generally contributes to the “Alberta Advantage”.

Since Inseption:

• Canadian Parks and Recreation Association
• Alberta Recreation and Parks Association Site
• Ontario Sits (PRO, ORPA)
• Saskatchewan (SPRA)