The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association wrapped up its four-day fall training symposium in Estevan this week, drawing staff from municipal and regional parks across the province. Now in its third year, the event offered hands-on courses designed to improve skills in parks and recreation management.
Andrew Exelby, the association’s parks and open spaces consultant, explained that participants traveled from across Saskatchewan to take part in the sessions. “We focus on facilities and parks, with people here from as far north as La Ronge and as far west as Swift Current,” he said.
This week’s courses included ball diamond maintenance, asset management, janitorial work, tree and shrub care, and a basic chainsaw operator course offered in partnership with Southeast College. Attendance varied depending on the course, but Exelby said turnout was strong and participants were engaged in learning practical skills they can apply in their communities.
The fall symposium is just one of several professional development opportunities offered by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, which also hosts a spring symposium each year. Anyone interested in parks and recreation, from municipal employees to members of the public, can register for these events. More information, including upcoming courses and registration details, can be found on the SPRA website at https://spra.sk.ca. Specific information about the fall and spring training symposiums is available here: Fall Training Symposium and Spring Training Symposium.
Beyond training, SPRA supports more than 30 organizations across Saskatchewan, coordinates youth and fitness programs, provides guidance to volunteer recreation boards, and runs initiatives such as Communities in Bloom. “We basically dabble in everything Parks and Recreation related,” Exelby said. “Our focus is helping make our province a continually better place.”
For those interested in learning more about SPRA’s programs, resources, and training opportunities, visit https://spra.sk.ca or search for “Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association training symposiums” online.