2026 SPRA Spring Training Symposium

Registration deadline is April 20, 2026

Join us in Humboldt on April 27-30 for SPRA's Spring Symposium.
This year's line up includes 13 courses that will educate and inspire front-line parks and recreation operators, volunteers and supervisors. Visit https://www.spra.sk.ca/news-events/symposium for more information.

Monday, April 27 - Meet & Greet Pizza Night sponsored by 1 Stop Playgrounds.

• Saskatchewan Parks Worker Course (Apr 27-30 register by April 13, 2026)
• Chainsaw Train the Trainer (Apr 27-29) See the prerequisites here: ) **Access full package
• Shelterbelts & Community Orchards (Apr 30) ALL DAY
• Mosquito and Biting Fly Applicator (Apr 27-28)
• Managing Safe Play Spaces (Apr 29) ALL DAY ** Separate registration required to register
• Tree Appraisal (Apr 30) ALL DAY
• Building Maintenance Level 2 (Apr 27-28)
• Small Engine Repair (Apr 29-30)
• Effective HR for Small Organizations & Non-profits (Apr 27) ALL DAY
• Advocacy for Small Organizations & Non-profits (Apr 28) ALL DAY
• Energy Efficient Ice Rink Retrofits (Apr 29, register by April 13, 2026) **Separate registration required to register
• Technology for the Parks & Recreation Industry (Apr 30) ALL DAY
• Arena Operator Level 2 Refrigeration (Apr 26-30, register by April 13, 2026) NOTE: TSASK registration fee is non-refundable

For more information, contact Tim Hanna, SPRA Consultant, by phone at (639) 638-4083, or by email at [email protected].

To dowload the brochure click here.

Info: Focused on the horticultural requirements for a successful park system, the Saskatchewan Parks Worker Course provides an overview of a typical parks system and its maintenance practices.

This SPRA developed course provides an in-depth review of: Soil Health, Plant Biology, Turf, Pest and W**d Management, Equipment Maintenance, Parks Design, Public Relations, and Safety. This is a four-day course that includes classroom learning and outdoor tours. Please dress appropriately.

This course is specifically designed for SPRA Members, municipalities in Saskatchewan and all park operators. If you are involved in the management or hand-on operation of a park or green space, this is the course for you! Successful completion of the course exam provides participants with a Certificate of Completion issued by SPRA.

Info: This intensive five-day course will provide participants with an overview of modern industrial refrigeration systems and their safe operation. Topics will include thermodynamics, operation and maintenance of refrigeration plants, refrigeration components, equipment and controls, and refrigerants and brines. Participants will write the Provincial Refrigeration Operators Exam at the end of the course to become a Licensed Refrigeration Operator in the province. The course is challenging, and participants should have a basic understanding of refrigeration systems and some mechanical aptitude. DEADLINE TO REGISTER: By noon on APRIL 13, 2026– no registrations are possible after this date.
NOTE: THIS COURSE STARTS ON SUNDAY, APRIL 26 AT THE BELLA VISTA INN.

Info: This course provides an overview of facility maintenance practices and practical advice. This course is designed to help operators and maintenance staff understand the workings of components within their facilities and know the terminology to deal with contractors. From there, the operators and maintenance staff can develop sound maintenance practices to improve the operation and useful life of the fixed assets in their facility. Proper planning and the implementation of preventative maintenance practices benefits your department and community.

Info: In this 2-day Course, you will study insecticide use for controlling mosquito and biting fly larvae and adults. This Course is intended for employees and managers of cities and towns and other areas that are implementing a mosquito or biting fly control program. Successful completion of this Course is required prior to applying for your provincial Pesticide Applicator License. You may apply for your license once you have proof of successful Course results.

Info: Basic playground standards process, what causes injuries, how regular inspection and maintenance can reduce hazards, the importance of age-appropriate play, and the basics of risk management and record keeping.
Course Objective: To understand the basics of inspecting and maintaining playground equipment, risk management, record keeping and the standard process in Canada.
What You Will Learn:
• The difference between the Canadian Playground Safety Institute (CPSI), which is the agency providing this training and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
• The "Fatal Four” playground hazards.
• Age-appropriate play activities and labeling.
• Risk management and record keeping.
Who Should Take This Course: Anyone who is required to manage a play space or multiple play spaces, maintenance staff for parks/public works staff, daycares, custodians, private contractors, owner/operators, superintendents (schools, apartment complexes and additional facilities with public play spaces).

Info: This two-day course covers basic small engine repair for both 2 and 4 stroke engines. Theory and hands-on training are provided. Participants need to bring: Wrenches, screwdrivers, a 3/8 drive socket set, hammer, and punches. This course will be held indoors, in a shop setting at the Carlton Trail College Industrial Building at 1105-4th Avenue in Humboldt. Please dress appropriately.

Info: This full day session will explore effective Human Relations in connection to small organizations and non-profits. Regardless of if you work with councils, boards, volunteers, staff and stakeholders having appropriate policies and practices in place to effectively manage. These human resources are vital to an organization’s success. This session will explore common pitfalls and how creating practical tools will help all your relationships be strong and supportive. Learn how to engage those you work with as well as ensure all groups are heading in the same direction.

Info: Delivered as a one-day workshop, Advocacy for Non-Profits is intended for volunteers, board members, executive directors, and decision makers working for SPRA’s member organizations who are interested in influencing the decisions made by governments, funders, and other critical stakeholders. This interactive workshop will support participants in building the understanding they need to complete a straightforward advocacy campaign planning workbook developed by the session’s facilitator. Participants will have the option to have their draft workbooks reviewed by the facilitator at an optional follow-up session before the end of 2026.

Info: Small and rural communities across Saskatchewan are grappling with aging arenas that are costly to operate and maintain. Drawing on real world examples in Saskatchewan, the session provides a practical, step-by-step overview of how to approach an ice rink retrofit from essential data gathering and facility assessments to identify energy efficiency opportunities and preparing for funding. Topics include heating and cooling systems, insulation upgrades, project scoping, and strategies to improve funding readiness. Attendees will gain actionable insights into what works in Saskatchewan communities, common challenges encountered, and how early technical support helped move projects forward more efficiently. Communities attending this session will receive a free site visit and energy reduction study of their arena, through the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service, to support funding applications and decision-making.

Info: This Chainsaw Train the Trainer Program is designed specifically for Saskatchewan employers and inhouse trainers who are responsible for developing competent, confident chainsaw operators. This practical, instructor focused program helps trainers understand their responsibilities, deliver effective hands-on instruction, and maintain the documentation needed to demonstrate due diligence in employee training. Participants are required to provide proof of prerequisite requirements following registration and before beginning the course. Participants receive comprehensive training materials, including our full Chainsaw Training Manual, along with the Train the Trainer course and written tests as proof of completion. While Saskatchewan does not have any government accredited or officially certified chainsaw trainer programs, this course provides the knowledge, structure, and tools employers need to deliver consistent, high quality inhouse training that meets their due diligence obligations.

Info: Shelterbelts and Orchards are key features in communities and parks across Saskatchewan. This 1 day course will build an understanding how best to design, plant and maintain both shelterbelt and fruit-bearing trees. This knowledge is key to the overall success of the shelterbelts and orchards that you may be planting or managing. You will explore both shelterbelt and orchard design, basic pruning, species selection, manicured vs naturalized shelterbelts as well as optimizing community orchard fruit production and tree health. Everyone will benefit from the topics in this course regardless of their skill level.

Info: Technology is influencing the parks and recreation industry and its future direction. Our industry is seeing more examples of how technology is being implemented or introduced. Technology is indeed changing the way we do business. Technology and technological advances are a reality and can’t be ignored. SPRA feels a session on this topic is an opportunity to inform, educate and train our Members and industry about changes brought about by new technologies. This full day session will explore 4 examples of how technology is changing the way parks and recreation professionals are being affected.

Info: In this 1-day course, you will learn about the process of appraising trees utilizing several different methods. Participants will obtain a basic knowledge of the factors, tools, and thought processes of tree appraisal and gain an understanding of the numerous benefits trees provide. Topics discussed will include:
• Types of Appraisal Approaches
• Depreciation Factors
• Mature Tree Appraisal
• Smaller Tree Appraisal

Understanding Tree Appraisal and the value of trees often assists with legal disputes, justifying budgets, property valuation, urban planning, Insurance claims and construction bonding. Participants should already have a basic understanding of tree species and health.
Participants should bring:
• Appropriate outdoor clothing/footwear for field tree measuring activity
• Clipboard for outdoor activity (forms will be provided)
• Flexible measuring tape/DBH tape for measuring tree diameter
• Calculator/cell phone calculator app

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Host or Publisher Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association