Playground Practioner Program
When we started the course development back in 2020, we took a holistic approach to managing playgrounds. A voluntary advisory body was formed from some key OPA members and stakeholders. An expert in the development of training courses (Robyn Peterson) was contracted for advice and guidance. The goal was to create an interactive adult training course that would empower and help parks employees and managers in the design and management of their playspaces. The course was originally designed as three 2-day modules titled Playspace Strategies, Playspace Evaluation, and Playspace Management. These three modules were eventually combined into the week-long Registered Playground Practitioner Program. From the start we intended to use subject experts to enhance the delivery of the program. People who could speak from experience rather than merely read from a book. The essence of Playspace Strategies is to try and look at why things are the way they are in play- grounds. To that end we always used Landscape Architects and other experts such as industrial
designers to share with the students how designers approach the issues associated with the layout and design of playgrounds and parks. Subjects such as play value, user needs, site needs, etc. are included. The goal is to share with students the thinking that went into the design of a playspace and that de- signs may be the way they are for very good rea- sons. Playspace Evaluation focuses on tools and criteria to use in evaluating a playspace. This involves applicable standards such as CSA and Annex H as well as known best practices for inspection and maintenance. We used experienced inspectors and installers to present this material. It also always includes a site visit to a nearby playground for hands on demonstration and practice in applying evaluation criteria. The Playspace Management portion introduces necessary tools for managing playground inventories. This includes risk management, legal issues and the importance of record keeping. We always used lawyers, professional risk managers, and municipal managers with years of experience in record keeping to deliver this module. Topics covered include best practices in avoiding bad
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The Green Sward - Spring 2022
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