Upcoming Events
Join fellow parks and recreation professionals from your region for a day of learning, networking, and actionable strategies to elevate your agency’s influence. This symposium is designed to help you:
Sponsored by:
Additional Course Information:
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the KRPA office at 785-235-6533 or jamie@krpa.org.
KRPA Event Policy:
No Refunds: Please note that all registrations are non-refundable. We regret that we cannot offer refunds for any cancellations.
Substitutions: We do allow substitutions. If you are unable to attend the event, you may transfer your registration to another person. Please notify us of any substitutions at least 48 hours prior to the event.
Registration Fees: All registration fees must be paid in full within 30 days of registration. Failure to pay within this timeframe may result in the cancellation of your registration.
Commercial Vendor Workshop Attendance
The Kansas Recreation and Parks Association (KRPA) values the contributions and engagement of our commercial partners. To maintain a professional environment that supports both educational and networking opportunities for our members and sponsors, KRPA has established the following policy regarding commercial vendors attending workshops and events:
Policy Overview: Commercial vendors may not register or participate as general workshop attendees unless they are sponsoring the specific event in question. This policy ensures that the presence of commercial entities at KRPA events is aligned with their purpose of networking and building relationships within a professional context, while respecting the intent of these events as learning opportunities for non-commercial attendees.
Commercial Vendor Definition: According to the KRPA bylaws Commercial Vendor is defined as: Individuals, organizations, companies, or business firms selling products or services to recreation, park, conservation, and leisure service agencies.
Exclusions: Commercial vendors may register and participate in these certification programs as general attendees. These courses are designed to provide specialized training and a certification from the National Recreation and Park Association. We understand the need of vendors may have to receive these certifications.
The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Course is a 2-day training program designed to meet the needs of those working in public and semi-public recreational pool or water park facilities. The AFO Course offers unique discussions on risk management and pool management as well as training in proper water chemistry, water chemistry challenges and solutions.
The current Aquatic Facility Operators Manual will be sent to each full course registrant prior to the course.
Upon successful completion of the AFO Course and 50 question open book exam, participants will be certified for 5 years by the National Certification Board in coordination with the National Recreation and Park Association. Who Should Attend: Aquatic Directors, Recreation Directors, Water Park Directors, Pool Managers, Aquatic Supervisors, Resort/Hotel/Motel Staff, and any staff member responsible for the operation, maintenance and management of an aquatic facility.
Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Dr Lawrence, KS 66049
Check-in begins at 7:45 A.M
KRPA CPRP Study Course
The KRPA Study Course package includes the application fee, exam fee, four (4) virtual study sessions (12 hours total), and a study guide (optional).
Dates/Times:
Friday, March 27 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Friday, April 3 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Friday, April 24 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Friday, May 1st (Optional Study Session)
Location:
Antioch Park Board Room
6501 Antioch Road
Merriam, KS 66202
Cost:
Application, Exam, Study Guide, Study Sessions (4)
Member $300
Non-Member $330
Application, Exam, Study Sessions (4) - No study guide
Member $250
Non-Member $280
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the KRPA office at 785-235-6533 or jamie@krpa.org
This class covers Florida landscaping basics with a focus on prevention, and cultural controls of plant problems. Topics include water quality, plant selection, proper planting depth, pruning, turf maintenance, and more. The class will also introduce a new landscaping book with side-by-side English and Spanish information to those in attendance. THIS SESSION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AFTER THE LIVE VIEWING.
Speaker: Hannah Eason, UF/IFAS Extension Agent of Commercial Horticulture in Orange County, provides education to support a vibrant green industry and a sustainable food system. Her trainings and partnerships promote environmental stewardship through integrated pest management and urban farming education, with an emphasis on hydroponics. Through strategic scientific communication, Hannah aims to cultivate beautiful, sustainable landscapes across Central Florida. With over 10 years of experience as a professional horticulturist, including 5 years with UF/IFAS Extension, she holds a BS in Landscape and Nursery Horticulture and earned her MS in Agroecology from UF in Summer 2021.
Speaker: Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, DPM, is the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Seminole County. She joined Extension in 2020, working locally with farmers, farm workers, and licensed pesticide applicators to enhance the sustainability of their operations. Dr. Pinkerton specializes in integrated pest management, pesticide use, and best management practices for farm and landscape maintenance. She is a graduate of the University of Florida’s Doctor of Plant Medicine program, which provided extensive interdisciplinary and hands-on training in plant science and diagnostics. She also holds a master’s degree in entomology, with research focused on invasive species in Florida and educating youth on plant biosecurity topics.
KRPA Micro-Certification: Relational Leadership
The KRPA Micro-Certification in Relational Leadership is an eight-month program designed to provide weekly micro-tasks that help participants build and apply relational leadership skills in a structured, continuous way. By completing small, intentional tasks each week, participants will see real progress in their ability to engage communities, communicate effectively, and foster meaningful professional relationships.
Includes: CEUs
This program is designed for busy professionals who want steady growth without a significant time commitment. Each month, participants will focus on key leadership skills, including topics:
Competency and inclusivity in leadership
Applying leadership principles in real-world scenarios
Learn more at https://krpa.org/micro-certification/
Additional Course Information: KRPA Office, 798 N. 1415 Rd. Lawrence, KS
Payment Onions:
We accept credit card payments online (VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card).
Questions about the workshop?
Contact Jende Smith, jsmith37@missouriwestern.edu
Questions about online registration?
Contact Jamie Reed at jamie@krpa.org
Online Check-in begins at 7:45 A.M
Hotel Room Block
Explore effective needs assessment tools, discover engagement strategies, and collaborate on creative programming ideas for teens. This session will equip recreational professionals to design impactful, inclusive programs that inspire and empower young people in their communities. Join us for an innovative journey!
Speaker:
Tierro Hampton is a committed recreation professional with over ten years of experience in various roles. Her passion for recreation drives her commitment to enhancing community well-being through innovative, teen-focused programming and diverse senior initiatives with the City of Plantation. With a strong focus on senior programming, Tierro designs activities that foster connection and engagement among older adults. As an emerging leader, she brings a unique combination of leadership and dedication, ensuring inclusive and engaging recreational opportunities for all. She proudly contributed to a dynamic team that received an award for innovative programming at the FRPA 2024 Conference, celebrating their collective efforts to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Anthony Thomas serves as a Superintendent of Recreation and Facility Services for the City of Plantation. Anthony is a dedicated leader in the parks and recreation field, known for his commitment to enhancing community engagement and access. With multiple degrees and certifications, including a CPRP designation, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Anthony's passion for learning drives him to continuously seek innovative ways to improve programs and services, particularly for underserved populations. He has successfully developed initiatives that promote inclusivity and wellbeing, ensuring that everyone in the community has the opportunity to thrive. Through collaborative leadership, Anthony is committed to fostering vibrant, resilient communities where every individual can enjoy the benefits of recreation.
