Elevate Your Skills: Explore PRPS High-Quality Training Opportunities
PRPS is dedicated to offering a variety of high-quality training opportunities to meet the needs of our members. Please click below to search for more information, dates, and fees for upcoming trainings. Our online calendar and store make registering easy! Questions? Contact the PRPS Training Staff Niki Tourscher, Director of Training and IT or Dan Hendey, Education Manager at 814-234-4272. Check back often for updates and new opportunities!
Upcoming Learning Networks Schedule
Please note that all meetings will occur at 12 noon on the coordinating schedule date.
Meeting Dates coming soon!
“CPRP training with Dan Hendey was Amazing. Dan organized a group of candidates, reviewed materials, shared study tools, provided test-taking tips, and helped each of us who registered gain the coveted certification”
Participant 2021
Aquatics
PRPS offers swimming pool courses to ensure responsible pesticide use in pool management. Proper treatment, storage, and handling of chemicals are crucial for pool safety and environmental protection. "Swimming Pool Management 101" is an intensive program for individuals preparing for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Core and Category 24 (Swimming Pools) pesticide applicator exams. The closed book exams must be passed within 180 days of each other for certification. For current license holders, the "Swimming Pool Re-certification Course" offers 6 Core and 4 Category 24 pesticide applicator credits. These courses are essential for maintaining pool management expertise and certification.
Community Recreation Exchange
An informative and educational event for Park and Program Managers, Local Officials, Municipal Managers, Recreation Boards, Volunteers and Park Champions.
More details available soon!
CPRP with Me - Study Group
PRPS offers an interactive online course designed to help park professionals prepare for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional Examination (CPRP), a widely recognized certification indicating professional competency. Participants use NRPA's Official Study Guide to review and discuss materials, focusing on a specific chapter each week. The course concludes with a general review, test-taking strategies, and a practice exam, fully preparing candidates for the CPRP examination. The certification is increasingly required for professional positions in park and recreation departments. The instructor, Dan Hendey, PRPS's Education Manager, is a CPRP and certified Pennsylvania Instructor with over 20 years of education and experience. The course boasts a 100% exam pass rate.
Fall Membership Meeting
The PRPS Fall Membership Meeting is a crucial annual event where Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society members gather to collaborate, learn, and discuss industry trends. This meeting offers a platform for professionals in the field to network, share best practices, and gain insights into innovative approaches. Participants engage in informative sessions, workshops, and discussions, addressing key topics in the realm of recreation and parks. It's an opportunity for members to enhance their knowledge, stay updated on the latest industry developments, and foster valuable connections. The PRPS Fall Membership Meeting plays a vital role in advancing the field and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to the community.
The annual Fall Membership Meeting is held on the third Wednesday in November.
Statewide Healthy Play Education & Funding Initiative
PRPS, PlayCore, MRC Recreation and GameTime are strategically partnering to support and promote Healthy Play through education, data collection, and funding opportunities. The goal of this partnership is to provide quality education, evidence-based resources, impact reports, and funding opportunities to create healthy play and recreation spaces across the state of Pennsylvania . Results will demonstrate the positive impact awarded sites are making on Community Vitality.
Join us at a workshop in May for an interactive professional development event that will provide training experiences about how play and recreation are essential to creating healthier, happier communities. Ideal for parks and recreation professionals, landscape architects, educators, and other play advocates, these education events and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are being offered at no cost through PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education.
Parks & Playgrounds
The Parks & Playgrounds Certification Program offered by PRPS is a comprehensive training initiative that equips professionals in the field with the knowledge and skills necessary to create and maintain safe, enjoyable, and sustainable park and playground spaces. This program covers a diverse range of topics, from safety regulations and equipment maintenance to community engagement and design principles. By completing this certification, individuals can ensure that their parks and playgrounds meet the highest standards of safety and quality, providing communities with well-maintained and inviting spaces for recreational activities. The program empowers participants to enhance their expertise in park and playground management and contribute to the well-being of their communities.