Looking for some ways to get involved with IPRA this April? Here are some great learning opportunities you won’t want to miss…

SSPRPA Grant Writing Ins and Outs Workshop
Apr 4 - 9:00 AM at Joliet Park District
Creating alternate streams of revenue has become more important to Park and Recreation agencies. Writing successful grants is becoming a necessity for many professionals. Learn the ins and outs fo successful grant writing including where to find funding, developing the key components of the grant proposal and helpful resources for the grant writing process. Learn more.

Aquatic Facility Operator Course (AFO)
Apr 8-Apr 9 at Holiday Inn Elk Grove
The Aquatic Facility Operator course is an 18-hour training program specifically designed to meet the needs of those working in public and semi-public recreational pool or water park facilities. The AFO program offers a unique risk management approach, rarely offered to operations personnel. The course provides information and training for both supervisory and operations personnel. In-depth instruction will be given on filtration, disinfections, water testing and treatment, design consideration, facility management, risk management, facility trouble-shooting and much more. The AFO certification course is the most comprehensive program available for those responsible for operating clean, safe, and efficient aquatic facilities.

Upon successful completion of the AFO course and a 50-question exam, the National Certification Board of NRPA will officially certify participants. Certification is valid for three years and is renewable.

This course includes a copy of the NRPA’s Aquatic Facility Operator Manual, the most complete and comprehensive publication available on pool operations. Author Kent G. Williams has over 30 years of experience directing beginners and experienced pool managers through the often complex process of aquatic operations.

Who Should Attend? Aquatic Directors, Recreation Directors, Water Park Directors, Aquatic Supervisors, Aquatic Facility Managers, Pool Managers, Aquatic Design Professionals. Learn more.

Early Childhood Preschool Bus Tour
Apr 12 - 9:00 AM at Hoffman Estates Park District
Early Childhood teachers and directors are invited to attend the IPRA Early Childhood Committee’s Annual Preschool Bus Tour. A comfortable school bus will transport the group to 3 local preschool sites. Share ideas on classroom environment & design, curriculum and much more! Three in service hours will be given.

2008 Tour Sites: Hoffman Estates Park District – Willow Recreation Center preschool Harper College – Early Learning Center Buffalo Grove Park District – Alcott Center preschool. Learn more.

National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI)
Apr 15-17 at Park District of LaGrange
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 205,000 children are treated for playground accidents annually, with approximately 15 resulting in death. Of these, 70% occurred at public parks and schoolyards. Does your equipment measure up? How many preventable injuries occurred in your parks?

Sponsored by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), this course is the most comprehensive training program offered on playground hazard identification and risk management methods. Advanced reading and ten hours of training will prepare you to take the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Exam, which will take place on the last day.

• The National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI) promotes children’s rights to play and the importance of play in a child’s development.
• NPSI provides the most current comprehensive training program on public playground safety, including the development and distribution of playground training and safety products.
• NPSI provides input to help develop a responsible public policy which guarantees the safety of our children. At the same time, NPSI advocates sound fiscal responsibility to provide resources for the ongoing maintenance and support of the policy.

Resource materials developed especially for this course are included in the registration fee and will be mailed to all pre-registered participants. Learn more.

IPRA Teen Committe Meeting: Special Topic -How to get more teens to register
Apr 15 - 11:30 AM at Oak Forest Park District
Our discussion topic for this meeting will be: How do you get teens to be more proactive to register? And, how do you get the word out to parents regarding your programs? Please brainstorm this topic and bring your ideas and/or questions to the meeting to share. Learn more.

Motivating Your Staff…and Your Members - Fitness Center Roundtable

Apr 18 - 11:30 AM at Roselle Park District
Join the Fitness Section for lunch and a powerful discussion regarding the tools necessary to enhance customer service among your staff and throughout your facility!

• Learn about unique ways to motivate your front line employees to inspire exceptional performance from each.
• Identify ways to create positive moments through behaviors and interactions that will ensure customer loyalty.
• Learn tips to build a higher level of service for members and coworkers.
• Discuss the importance and relevance of establishing levels of accountability regarding customer service among staff.
• Share insight and experiences regarding customer service initiatives with our network of fitness professionals.
• Discover ways to polish your own level of professionalism while building trust among members and colleagues.

Double-Goal Coach I: Coaching for Winning and Life Lessons
Apr 21 - 10:00 AM at Downers Grove Park District
Double-Goal Coach™ I: Coaching for Winning and Life Lessons This interactive workshop begins by defining the Double-Goal Coach™ as one who strives to win and works to prepare his/her team to play at its highest level, and, at the same time, teaches life lessons (teamwork, dedication, bouncing back from mistakes, etc.) to his/her players. It will introduce Positive Coaching Alliance’s (PCA) Double-Goal Coach model and provides an in-depth review of the three principles around which it is built: - Honor the Game - Fill Emotional Tanks - Redefine “Winner”

Double-Goal Coach™ I: Coaching for Winning and Life Lessons This interactive workshop begins by defining the Double-Goal Coach™ as one who strives to win and works to prepare his/her team to play at its highest level, and, at the same time, teaches life lessons (teamwork, dedication, bouncing back from mistakes, etc.) to his/her players. It will introduce Positive Coaching Alliance’s (PCA) Double-Goal Coach model and provides an in-depth review of the three principles around which it is built: - Honor the Game - Fill Emotional Tanks - Redefine “Winner”Supporting research is presented from experts in coaching, education, and sports psychology. Every participant gains access to dozens of practical, proven tools to increase success during their next practice or competition.

Coaches will receive a Double-Goal Coach™ certification card upon completion of the workshop. Learn more.
Participants will:

• Learn how to achieve greater success by learning state-of-the-art training methods and tools.
• Learn how to create environments for all athletes, where they’re giving 100% at every practice and game, and their ability to perform in competition improves.
• Leave with a workbook filled with tools and resources to refer back to.

SSPRPA Administrative Assistant Workshop: Staying Positive in a Hectic Position
Apr 25 - 9:00 AM at Fountain Hills Golf Course
Celebrate Administrative Assistants Day and reward those who work the front lines, front desks and support staff that deal with the often crazy day to day grind of park districts. We know that in the midst of the hectic pace of our jobs and our lives, it can be easy to get discouraged and pessimistic. However, what we focus on can expand our lives. Learn strategies that may help participants re-gain the power of positive in their daily life and at work. Learn more.

Remember, bring your MARC Card with you to every meeting, event, workshop, etc. to gain points toward education gift cards and really cool prizes.