Grounds Management and Operations
Instructor-led Course Online (ILC-OL). This course will be taught using Zoom.
- Session 1: November 23 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Session 2: November 24 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Session 3: November 25 – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Building on the Grounds Maintenance and Operations course, this course is designed to provide an overview of the ever-changing responsibilities in maintaining public grounds and open spaces by using a variety of subject matter leads from diverse backgrounds within the industry. It further explores the diverse work environments that a grounds professional needs to be aware of to ensure they remain current and up to date and allows for professional interaction at the planning stages of new development, or to better understand how to manage current operations.
Topics include:
Grounds Infrastructure Management
This module will explore trees, shrubs, winter damage, flowers and amenities such as garbage cans, outhouses, benches and boulevards that all need to be managed through scheduled maintenance and upkeep. Creating a functional work plan that directs all the activities while developing data to support budget requests is an important managerial skill.
Grounds Human Resource Management
This module is designed to assist operations with multi-tasking staff where these duties may be one of a variety of workplace responsibilities. Often, under these conditions the operation relies on young seasonal workers to perform expected tasks. Clearly understanding onboarding, training and supervision responsibilities to ensure worker safety and compliance is critical.
Fleet and Equipment Management – This module will review key elements that are guided by regulations such as Book 7.
Grounds Fiscal Management
This module will explore the public perception of outdoor recreational use being at no cost. This may be true for the user, but the reality internally is that it costs to provide these services. This session will explore true cost accounting and how to present what it costs to offer outdoor recreation that has limited revenue generation development.
Grounds Risk Management
This module will explore the risks of offering outdoor recreation while exploring the potential for extreme liability and legal accountability. Every aspect of grounds management must be steeped in risk reduction. The ORFA/Intact Public Entities Risk Management resource will be provided to all participants.
Grounds Asset Management
This module will review industry best practices, regulated asset management obligations and the tools ORFA and its professional development partner MARMAK offer members to design advanced grounds management data collection. These tools will help create both short and long term maintenance requirements, the life expectancy of all infrastructure, and the unfunded liability associated with all aspects of operations.
Alternative Park Management
This module will review managing dog parks, trails, air supported structures, historical sites and cemeteries, etc. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences with non-traditional outdoor recreational infrastructure as part of the learning experience.
Outdoor Pool Management
This module will review responsibilities associated with operating an outdoor public pool that has the same regulated responsibilities as an indoor pool but with a whole different laundry list of challenges.
Spray and Splash Pad Management
This module looks at the challenges associated with managing these amenities, after the pre-construction vision of being a low maintenance alternative to outdoor pools, and soon becomes the reality of what is truly involved with managing these investments.
Playground Management
This module will look at the responsibilities and best practices attached to playground structures. Understanding how to ensure user safety in all seasons is an important grounds manager responsibility.
Special Events Management – This module will explore the reality and costs with dealing with the aftermath of a major community festival. Grounds managers need to design plans to ensure the areas are properly cleaned–up and restoration of the area is satisfactory.
Trees and Forest Area Management
This module will review how managing naturalized areas that are under attack by invasive species, pests, and changing environmental patterns that are impacting tree health. Knowing when the support of an arborist or other specialist would be beneficial to assist frontline operators to evaluate tree canopy safety and identifying risks. Understanding basic tree management in parks, residential areas and urban forest settings will assist all involved.
Sports Field Management 101
The Canadian Sports Field Association (formerly Sports Turf Canada) has joined the ORFA to provide a full day on the topic of sports field management best practices. Industry leaders will provide direction on natural live or artificial turf management while discussing how best to manage ballfield and soccer pitches to maximize playability. Emerging demands for cricket field time will be discussed. Understanding water management challenges is a critical responsibility of today's grounds manager.
Terry Piche, CRFP, CIT, Director, Training, Research and Development, Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc., Guest SPeakers, and CFSA instructors
This course is worth 28 professional development credits towards recertification of any ORFA professional designation
