Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) is holding its annual spring training symposium at the Humboldt Convention Centre. Humboldt is a regular stop for the training seminars which draw people from around the province to talk about various aspects of recreation, facilities, safety and other important topics. The event has been held regularly in Humboldt since 2005. Around 100 participants were onsite for this year’s training. 

There are several focuses for the training that’s happening throughout the week, says Tim Hanna, facilities and training consultant for the SPRA. 

“We have tree ID and pruning and small engine repair. Later in the week, we have a building maintenance level 1 course. We have the Canadian Playground Safety Institute here doing their theory and practical course as well, along with a number of supervisory training sessions as well.”

Front line parks and rec workers take the opportunity to come out and do their necessary practical training. Volunteers for various recreation agencies partake in the sessions as do some supervisors who work in the field. The varied training streams have one to two day lengths with the symposium wrapping up on Thursday. Hanna says smaller communities with parks and rec facilities, either outdoor or indoor, have come to rely on the scope and breadth of the training available. 

“We’re very pleased with 1-Stop Playground, a local company, who are the main sponsor for this event,” says Hanna. “They have a display in the lobby and are hosting a meet and greet for the participants.”

The SPRA provides a chance for recreation leaders in the province to connect with the mission of promoting and energized, healthy and recreation aware population throughout the province. The spring symposium provides a great chance to foster some of those connections with professionals and volunteers.