Registered Playground Practitioner Program
Monday, April 29 to Friday, May 3
The Ontario Parks Association has developed the Ontario Playground Academy to meet the needs of those involved and responsible for the hands-on inspection and maintenance of public playspaces and playground facilities.
OPA places a high priority and commitment to the provision of safe and accessible play structures in public spaces. OPA also emphasizes the strong need to educate caregivers, supervisors and others about the benefits of positive and safe play experiences for our children.
Participants will learn how to significantly lower the risk of injuries in play areas by providing a safe outdoor learning experience for all. The Ontario Playground Academy uses the CAN/CSA-Z614-07, Children’s Playspaces and Equipment as the base document for the three sections of the program.
This course is designed for experienced individuals who, ideally, perform hands-on monthly inspections of public play structures and who have a good understanding of the relevant CSA standards. Participants may have already taken a playground certification program.
The Ontario Playground Academy instructors include experts from the industry including an architect, liability expert, lawyer, representative of the Canadian Standards Association and others to give in-depth classroom-based training as well as on-site demonstration at a local playground structure.
Topics include:
Playspace Strategies
- space requirements
- playability
- access/egress requirements
- playspace design
- age appropriate issues
- playspace materials
- playspace construction
Playspace Evaluation
- playvalue and hazard identification
- inspection and maintenance
- surfacing evaluation
- record keeping
- CSA overview
- corrective actions
Playspace Management
- liability and insurance
- due diligence
- contractual obligations
- risk management
- owner/operator responsibilities
- employee/manager responsibilities
- playvalue and practical choices
The OPA Registered Playground Practioner Program is recognized as a playground safety course for inspectors by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
Participants who complete this program and achieve a minimum passing grade of 70% in the written exam will be registered by the Ontario Playground Academy as a “Playground Practitioner”.
Instructor: Peter Kells, Industrial Designer (playground and recreation equipment), Executive Member, IPA Canada, and Playground Inspector
