Workshops
Learn with us!
We are known for our workshops and educational opportunities for parks and recreation professionals! That is what we do at NCRPA. Learn new skills, develop a supportive network, listen to dynamic speakers, engage in meaningful conversations, bring resources back to your community, and earn CEU’s! See the complete workshop and course listing below. If you have a topic or speaker recommendation, contact Brad Foster, our Professional Development Coordinator, at brad@ncrpa.net.
Athletic Professionals
Learn about the newest trends in community sports while networking with fellow athletics professionals from across the state. This is a three day workshop typically held in the fall.
Certified Parks & Recreation Professional Study Course
Join this four night virtual study group for professionals preparing to take the CPRP exam. Through live virtual sessions, get answers to questions, set a schedule for individual study, and review practice exams. Guest speakers and test taking strategies are included. Offered in the winter. The Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification is the national standard for all parks and recreation professionals. For more information visit NRPA.org.
Certified Playground Safety Inspector
This course is held in coordination with the National Recreation and Park Association. The CPSI certification aims to enable certified professionals to: identify hazards on playground equipment and the playground; rank the hazards according to injury potential; and utilize this knowledge to remove the hazards and establish a system of inspections and maintenance. Advanced reading and 10 hours of training will prepare you for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector. This is a three day course with the exam offered on day three. Traditionally offered February-March.
Innovate - NEW
Are you looking for innovative solutions that meet community challenges, reduce costs, and better serve the public? Our new Innovate Workshops tackle a current parks and recreation “hot topic”, brings in experts and fosters targeted discussion to create ideas and solutions for your specific community. This is a one day workshop that is held at various times throughout the year. Attendance is limited.
Supervisor 1
Supervisor 1 (formerly known as LEAD) is a virtual workshop designed to elevate unique perspectives on leadership, both locally and nationally. Discover how you can better serve as a leader, or develop your leadership skills for future opportunities. Everyone is encouraged to join and challenge yourself to lead from any position. No travel, great price, and investment in staff development. All sessions are virtual. Typically offered in both fall and winter.
Maintenance
Grow your skills and knowledge about park and facility maintenance. Get the lowdown on the latest trends, trades, and tips to maintain parks and facilities for long term community use. Connect with maintenance pros, swap stories and strategies, and meet vendors who can help maximize assets and streamline work. These workshops are typically held in the fall.
Marketing
Unlock the power of effective marketing tailored for parks and recreation professionals. This workshop dives into strategies for increasing program participation, engaging your community, and maximizing your budget. Learn to leverage social media, storytelling, and analytics to showcase your services and build lasting connections. Whether you're new to marketing or looking to refine your approach, this session offers practical tools and insights to elevate your impact.
Outdoor and Adventure
Experience and discuss a variety of outdoor and adventure programs and activities. While activities change depending on the specialties of the host location; hands on, interactive learning are the main focus. Discover different ways of managing adventure programming, or get first hand knowledge of what it takes to bring a new program to your community. This is a two day workshop typically held in late summer/early fall.
Playground Maintenance Course
Are you looking to make your community's playgrounds safer? The National Recreation and Park Association's Playground Maintenance Course is a one day educational course that covers the following topics – an overview of playground safety standards and guidelines, playground owner responsibilities and maintenance discussions on playground equipment, surfacing and site items. Participants receive a certificate upon completion. This course is offered in two locations in the fall.
Rec & Tech Virtual
This virtual workshop includes impactful sessions on how many forms of vendor technology are utilized in parks and recreation, and is complemented by a virtual exhibit hall where you can meet technology providers and vendors. Hear the buzz on the latest trends, as well as creative ways to utilize technology to streamline work. This workshop is a two day virtual experience, hosted by NCRPA in partnership with other organizations across the nation.
Recreation Programs
Calling all recreation professionals - this workshop is for you! Whether you are serving youth, teens, adults, seniors, families, or a mix within your community, there are sessions and discussions here for you. Learn about impactful programs and innovative ideas that have been successful across North Carolina. Build your network of colleagues to support your work in recreation programming. This is a two day workshop typically held in late winter/early spring.
Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion
The Therapeutic Recreation & Inclusion Workshop connects leaders, TR professionals, recreation professionals, and students who work in and around inclusion. Sessions are focused on inclusive recreation community programs, best practices, partnerships, and sharing creative ideas. This is a two day workshop typically held in late winter.
The Learning Table
We know parks and recreation encompasses many different types of work; these virtual lunch & learn sessions are 1 hour topic-driven opportunities to learn. Think park planning, public art, landscape and facility design, capital improvement planning, and much, much more! Sessions are scheduled throughout the year, and are led by NCRPA and other partners.
Customer Service
Exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of successful organizations. This interactive workshop equips participants with practical tools and strategies to enhance communication, build positive relationships, and handle challenging situations with confidence. Attendees will learn how to create memorable experiences for customers while fostering a culture of service excellence.
Carolina's Conference
The Carolina’s Conference, hosted by both the North Carolina and South Carolina Recreation & Park Associations, brings together parks and recreation professionals from across both states for an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Attendees will benefit from diverse educational sessions designed to enhance their knowledge and skills, while also exploring innovative solutions, products, and services showcased by exhibitors. This event fosters meaningful networking among peers, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and idea-sharing. Join us as we work together to advance the field of parks and recreation! This is typically a 2.5 day workshop held in late fall.
Special Events
Transform your community’s gatherings with innovative ideas and flawless execution in this special events workshop. Explore best practices for planning, promoting, and hosting memorable events that bring people together. From budget-friendly tips to risk management and creative programming, this session equips you with everything needed to enhance your event portfolio. Perfect for anyone looking to make their events stand out and strengthen community bonds.
Let me know if you'd like to refine these further!