Kansas Recreation & Park Association upcoming events

Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course & Exam (Fall 2026) (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Individuals taking the CPSI Classroom Course will gain practical, hands-on training on how to apply the ASTM standards and the CPSC guidelines to playground environments. Course participants will learn how to identify hazards on public playgrounds and playground equipment, how to rank hazards according to injury potential and how to apply that knowledge and establish a playground safety program.

Includes: Lunch on course days, 1.5 CEUs and the CPSI Course Manual*

Sponsored by:

Additional Course Details:

Times: November 17-18 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, check in starts at 7:30 AM
November 19 (Exam Day) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, check in starts at 8:00 AM

The CPSI course materials that must be read in advance will be mailed to the course registrants 4 weeks prior to the course.

*The CPSI Manual is mailed to registrants for the course. It is not included in the Exam Only option.

Please access the CPSI Candidate Handbook (Paper & Pencil Testing) on the CPSI Material and Resources page to review critical information regarding completing the course/examination. The handbook contains detailed information on requesting Special Accommodations, English as a Second Language accommodations, how to access Latin-American Spanish materials and day-of examination policies (wearable technology policy, ID policy, etc.)

The option to take the CPSI exam via computer based testing is available through the NRPA. To obtain additional information please visit www.nrpa.org/cpsi. Please be advised if you register to take the examination with the course, you will not receive a refund to take your exam via computer based testing at a later date. Please decide now if you would like to take the exam on Day 3 of the course or via a Computer Based Exam at a later date.

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.

KRPA Student Poster Presentation Challenge 2027 (26 Jan 2027)

Tue, 26 Jan 2027 06:00:00 GMT

KRPA Student Poster Presentation Challenge

Hyatt Regency Wichita

400 West Waterman

Wichita, KS 67202

Deadline: December 11, 2026

Showcase your creativity and professional skills by developing an original program or event concept for the KRPA Student Poster Presentation Challenge. This hands-on project lets you apply what you’ve learned in class, connect with parks and recreation professionals from across Kansas, and compete for scholarship prizes.

Students will pay their KRPA Student Membership fee ($15) at the time of this registration, which will be reimbursed upon completion of their poster presentation at the KRPA Conference. Must attend student summit on January 26th.

If you are interested in learning more, please sign up for our informational webinar on October 13, 2026 at 1:30pm. Sign up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/v_izWk-ZQSyLTqFtvLKiOg

Students:

Student members may attend the Student Summit and conference sessions at no charge IF they pre-register. Students can join KRPA for $15 when registering online for the conference.

NOTE: The student registration does not include lunches or evening socials. Students can purchase tickets in advance for the meals and socials for an extra fee.

Refunds: Conference Attendees cancellations received by December 31st are entitled to a 100% refund for those that paid by check, and 96% for those paid by credit card. Cancellations received between January 1 - 8 will receive a 70% refund if paid by check, and a 66% refund if paid by credit card. No refunds will be given after January 8th.

Registration Fees: Attendee fees must be paid by January 22, 2027

Annual KRPA Conference and Trade Show 2027 (26 Jan 2027)

Tue, 26 Jan 2027 06:00:00 GMT

KRPA Annual Conference and Trade Show

January 26-28, 2027

Hyatt Regency Wichita

400 West Waterman

Wichita, KS 67202

Early Bird Cut off date: January 4, 2027

Students:

Student members may attend the Student Summit and conference sessions at no charge IF they pre-register. Students can join KRPA for $15 when registering online for the conference.

NOTE: The student registration does not include lunches or evening socials. Students can purchase tickets in advance for the meals and socials for an extra fee.

Vendors:

Registration Fees: Attendee fees must be paid by January 22, 2027

KRPA Book Club (26 Jan 2027)

Tue, 26 Jan 2027 06:00:00 GMT

KRPA Book Club

Join us for the first-ever KRPA Book Club! Led by KRPA member, Cherie Riffey, Parks Division Assistant Director of Administration for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

The inaugural book is The Mental Game: Winning the War Within Your Mind by Darrin Donnelly.

We’ll meet during the 2027 KRPA Conference in January to discuss the book, share takeaways and hear different perspectives from fellow parks and recreation professionals.

This first gathering will also be your chance to help shape the future of the KRPA Book Club. We’ll vote on our next book and talk about what we’d like the book club to look like going forward.

There’s no cost to participate, and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to be a lifelong book club person. Come ready to read, share and have a good conversation.

The book is available through bookstores, many local libraries, and library apps such as Hoopla. Audiobooks are welcome, too!

Meeting details will be shared with those who RSVP.

2027 KRPA Trade Show Registration (27 Jan 2027)

Wed, 27 Jan 2027 17:00:00 GMT

2027 KRPA Trade Show

Tuesday, January 26 - Thursday, January 28

Trade Show - Wednesday January 27 - 11:00am - 3:00pm

Hyatt Regency Wichita

400 West Waterman

Wichita, KS 67202

This registration site is for Sponsors and Exhibitors only.

Important: All booth representatives will need to review and sign the 2027 KRPA Conference and Trade Show Terms and Conditions. You can email the completed form to jamie@krpa.org.

2027 Vendor - KRPA Conference and Trade Show Terms and Conditions.pdf

We have several sponsorship opportunities available to fit all your needs, you can review them in our sponsor document.

2027 KRPA Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

$900 General Conference Sponsor:

Show your commitment to parks and recreation by sponsoring the largest gathering of professionals in Kansas. This package provides excellent brand visibility and networking opportunities.

Benefits include:

A printed list of conference attendees for personalized outreach.

KRPA membership

8x8 Booth (Pipe and Drape, 2 Lunch Tickets, 1 6' draped table, 2 chairs)

$700 Booth Only

Includes:

8x8 Booth (Pipe and Drape, 2 Lunch Tickets, 1 6' draped table, 2 chairs)

Cancellation Policy

All requests for cancellation must be in writing. Requests received by November 30, 2026 will receive full refunds (minus a 4% credit card processing fee if applicable). Requests received between December 1-4, 2026 will receive refunds less a $200 per booth cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made after December 5, 2026.

Questions: Email Jamie Reed or call (785) 235-6533

Certified Playground Safety Inspection Course and Exam (Spring 2027) (02 Mar 2027)

Tue, 02 Mar 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Individuals taking the CPSI Classroom Course will gain practical, hands-on training on how to apply the ASTM standards and the CPSC guidelines to playground environments. Course participants will learn how to identify hazards on public playgrounds and playground equipment, how to rank hazards according to injury potential and how to apply that knowledge and establish a playground safety program.

Includes: Lunch on course days, 1.5 CEUs and the CPSI Course Manual*

Sponsored by:

Additional Course Information:

Times: March 2-3 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, check in starts at 7:30 AM
March 4(Exam Day) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, check in starts at 8:00 AM

The CPSI course materials that must be read in advance will be mailed to the course registrants 4 weeks prior to the course.
Course materials are not provided to those that register for the CPSI Exam only.

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.

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

AFO Aquatic Facility Operator Course - Lawrence, KS (07 Apr 2027)

Wed, 07 Apr 2027 13:00:00 GMT

AFO Aquatic Facility Operator Course

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.

Includes: Lunch and 1.5 CEU's

Additional Course Information:

Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Dr Lawrence, KS 66049

Check-in begins at 7:45 A.M

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.

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

AFO Aquatic Facility Operator Course - Virtual (14 Apr 2027)

Wed, 14 Apr 2027 13:00:00 GMT

AFO Aquatic Facility Operator Course

The current Aquatic Facility Operators Manual will be sent to each full course registrant prior to the course.

Includes: Lunch and 1.5 CEU's

Additional Course Information:

Online Check-in begins at 7:45 A.M

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.

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