MRPA prides itself on providing professional development and educational opportunities through which members can sharpen skills and remain up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Take a look below to see upcoming workshops, seminars and events.
Leading the Heart of the Community in Changing Times
MRPA has partnered with the Florida Recreation and Park Association to present a educational online workshop series designed specifically to assist park and recreation professionals in "Leading the Heart of the Community in Changing Times." The program will identify cutting-edge collaborative strategies and proven concepts for building community capacity, both of which are needed to take on the challenges facing the profession today.
Ian Hill, considered to be one of North America's leading advocates for those in the parks, recreation and community services field, will guide attendees through the 12-month training series held via live streaming video sessions, which allow for a real-time sharing of ideas and information. Those who are unable to view the live sessions will have access to on-demand footage which can be viewed at any time.
This educational, year-long journey will equip all staff members to be active, creative and engaged in your community's solution to the challenges ahead, while spurring an attitude shift in how staff see themselves and how the public views your agency.
Sessions will be offered in November, December, February, April, May and September. To learn more about the content of this key training opportunity and presenter Ian Hill, click here.
Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) 
The AFO program is an advanced, state-of-the-art educational training program for those persons managing and operating aquatic facilities. The AFO program is fast becoming the leading training opportunity for pool operators and aquatic facility managers in the United States and to date has certified over 16,000 aquatic facility operators in the 16 years of existence. This 2 day course provides in-depth instruction in all facets of aquatic facility operation and management including:
- filtration
- disinfection
- water testing and treatment
- design considerations
- facility management
- risk management
- facility troubleshooting
- hot tub & spa operation
- and much more!!
The next AFO course will be held Spring 2011. Please check back for more details!
National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI) 
Known as the most comprehensive training program on public playground safety, NRPA's National Playground Safety Institute offers hours of training by nationally certified playground safety experts, and prepares professionals for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) exam.
The Michigan Recreation and Park Association offers this intensive training and exam once a year in the spring. The NPSI course dates are April 20-22, 2010 at the Troy Community Center in Troy, Michigan. Click here for a hard copy registration form. Click here to register online.
Indiana Universtiy Executive Development Program for Parks and Recreation Professionals
IU EDP fosters professional growth and development, helping professionals reach their goals, whether they include moving up or becoming a better steward for parks and recreation. Enjoy learning and networking with fellow professionals in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Learn new ways to solve old problems; share knowledge ideas, techniques and information that you can apply when you get back to the office. Discuss issues and ideas that are hot topics in our field and critical to success in your agency. Earn 2.0 CEUs for attending all of the sessions.
The IU Execuitve Development Program for Parks and Recreation Professionals will take place April 11-14, 2010 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
The IU EDP bochure is now awailable online here. To register, click here.
For more information contact Julie Knapp at 812-856-1068 or visit www.iuedp.org.
Therapeutic Recreation Institute (TRI)
The MRPA Therapeutic Recreation Institute brings Michigan recreational therapists from a variety of settings together for a first rate professional educational experience. The Institute will help those in the profession stay current and maintain high standards of professional development as the industry grows and changes. Check back for more information on TRI 2010.