IPRA Calendar
IPRA Calendar
Lunch & Learn: Wage & Hour Woes
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Employees working through lunch, staff tracking hours while salaried, volunteers requesting comp time, and more generate endless head-scratching for management. Join HR Source for an engaging, scenario-driven Lunch & Learn
Six County Senior Games 2026: Pickleball Events
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
SIX COUNTY SENIOR GAMES celebrates its 44th year this summer! Join us for fourteen great days of friendly competition and excellence!
Graphic Design Task Force Meet Up & Roundtable
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Hosted by IPRA’s Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section, the Graphic Design Task Force covers design principles, branding, visual storytelling, software tools, accessibility, industry trends, and best practices in digital and print design. If you are in
Six County Senior Games 2026
12:00 AM
SIX COUNTY SENIOR GAMES celebrates its 44th year this summer! Join us for a month full of friendly competition and excellence!
Six County Senior Games 2026: Team Events
12:00 AM
SIX COUNTY SENIOR GAMES celebrates its 44th year this summer! Join us for fifteen great days of friendly competition and excellence!
SDWS : Critical Thinking: Making Decisions That Stick
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Practical thinking requires curiosity, perspective, and new approaches to problem-solving. The good news? Critical thinking is a skill anyone can learn.
Lifeguard Games 2026
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Hosted by IPRA's Aquatic Committee located within the Facility Management Section, the 31st Annual Lifeguard Games is an exciting opportunity for lifeguards and junior lifeguards to compete for their agency and showcase their skills to their peers. Teams c
8th Annual Unplug Illinois Day
The 8th Annual Unplug Illinois Day is Saturday, July 11, 2026 – join park, recreation, and conservation agencies state-wide in planning an event to highlight the programs and facilities that make your community thrive! Unplug Illinois promotes the ...
Risk Management Committee Roundtable
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Administrative & Finance Section, the Risk Manager Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in safety/risk management/HR. At this meeting we will meet virtually for our December “Coff
Lunch & Learn: Keeping Projects In-House: Cost-Effective Concrete Cutting & ADA Compliance Solutions
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Simplify sidewalk maintenance and infrastructure projects by leveraging concrete cutting as a strategic, in-house solution. Join Hard Rock Concrete Cutters in this Lunch & Learn to learn about services such as slab sawing, core drilling, and selective
Cultural Arts & Special Events Committee (TR)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the Cultural Arts & Special Event Committee is a group of professionals who specialize or work in and around Therapeutic Recreation cultural arts and/or special event programs. If you are interest
SDWS : Critical Thinking: Making Decisions That Stick
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Practical thinking requires curiosity, perspective, and new approaches to problem-solving. The good news? Critical thinking is a skill anyone can learn.
Adult Day Program Committee Meeting
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the Adult Day Program Committee consists of a group of special recreation professionals that either specialize or work in and around Adult Day Programming. The meeting will consist of opportunities
Sponsorship Committee Roundtable: From Handshake to Ledger: Managing Sponsorships with Finance in Mind
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Hosted by IPRA's Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section, Sponsorship Committee covers all the current topics and trends regarding sponsorship and partnership in the parks and recreation field. If you are interested in joining the C&M Section or simply w
Lunch & Learn: Telling Your Data Story and Leveraging Data to Measure Impact
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Gathering meaningful data is the first step to demonstrating impact. But which sets of data are essential for your role in parks, recreation, and conservation? Join PlayCore Data Analyst, Victoria Babb, for an introduction to exploring practical and
'26 Financial Sustainability Certificate Program - Part II
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
This next level, 3-day program is designed for professionals (and elected officials) committed to deepening their understanding of financial sustainability within local government, particularly in the realm of quality of life services.
SDWS : Building Trust & Collaboration Across Generations
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
In today’s parks and recreation teams, five generations work side by side — each bringing unique strengths, values, and communication styles.
SDWS : Building Trust & Collaboration Across Generations
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
In today’s parks and recreation teams, five generations work side by side — each bringing unique strengths, values, and communication styles.
Park District Conservation Day
Park District Conservation Day began in 1994 as a special recognition day for Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation districts, recreation, and special recreation agencies. Agencies send dance groups, bands, chorales, theater groups, ...
Cultural Arts Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Cultural Arts Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. If you are ...
SDWS : Staying Positive in a Negative World: Practical Strategies for Leading with Calm, Credibility, and Optimism
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
In an era of constant change, conflict, and public scrutiny, maintaining a positive outlook can be one of a leader’s greatest challenges — and most powerful tools.
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Exam Basics
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The first of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will consist of an overview of all five content ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Exam Basics
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The first of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will consist of an overview of all five ...
IPPYS (Illinois Park Professionals Yearly Soirée)
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Designed to honor outstanding achievements and careers in Illinois parks, recreation, and conservation, giving professionals an opportunity to celebrate colleagues and agencies. Step into the spotlight at the IPPYS—celebrating excellence, leadership, and
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Communications
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The second of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
SDWS: Staying Positive in a Negative World: Practical Strategies for Leading with Calm, Credibility, and Optimism
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
In an era of constant change, conflict, and public scrutiny, maintaining a positive outlook can be one of a leader’s greatest challenges — and most powerful tools.
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Communications
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The second of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
IPRF Golf Outing
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The annual IPRF Golf Outing is a great opportunity to enjoy a day of golf, fun, and networking! The proceeds from this event support the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation’s programs including scholarships which assists students and professionals in t
'26 Fall Playground Maintenance Course (Central Illinois)
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
The National Recreation and Park Association's Playground Maintenance Course (PMC) is a one-day (6.25 hour) educational course that provides participants with an understanding of basic playground hazards, applying safe maintenance practices on equipment, i
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Finance
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
The third of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Finance
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The third of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
'26 Facility Management Workshop
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Hosted by IPRA's Facility Management (FM) Section, Facility Management Workshop is a unique program designed to provide practitioners of all experience levels a curriculum that identifies tools to become a better facility manager and enhance ...
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Human Resources
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The fourth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Human Resources
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The fourth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
2026 Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course - Fall (October)
7:15 AM - 11:15 AM
The CPSI course is a national certification program delivered by National Recreation and Park Association and co-hosted by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. It is designed to train individuals on how to identify hazards on public ...
SDWS : Keep Cool Under Pressure
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Amid uncertainty and rising public incivility, maintaining composure has never been more essential for today’s professionals.
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Operations
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
The fifth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
SDWS : Keep Cool Under Pressure
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Amid uncertainty and rising public incivility, maintaining composure has never been more essential for today’s professionals.
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Operations
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The fifth of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive ...
'26 Software Symposium Vendor Registration
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section will be hosting the 2026 Software Symposium at the Bolingbrook Park District.
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Planning
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The last of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review of ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Programming
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The last of six in a series of virtual classes designed to prepare individuals for the National Recreation and Park Association's Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam. This class will provide attendees with an intensive review ...
2026 Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course - Fall (November)
7:15 AM - 11:15 AM
The CPSI course is a national certification program delivered by National Recreation and Park Association and co-hosted by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. It is designed to train individuals on how to identify hazards on public ...
SDWS : The Bison Principle: Courage, Clarity, and Stewardship
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
When storms approach, bison don’t run away—they face the wind and move through it together. The Bison Principle applies that instinct to the challenges of modern public service.
SDWS : The Bison Principle: Courage, Clarity, and Stewardship
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
When storms approach, bison don’t run away—they face the wind and move through it together. The Bison Principle applies that instinct to the challenges of modern public service.
SDWS : Shift Happens! Building Resilient Systems for a Changing Future
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
The pace and scale of change today are unlike anything we've experienced before. Economic volatility, demographic diversification, technological acceleration, and environmental disruption are reshaping the landscape of public service.
SDWS : Shift Happens! Building Resilient Systems for a Changing Future
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The pace and scale of change today are unlike anything we've experienced before. Economic volatility, demographic diversification, technological acceleration, and environmental disruption are reshaping the landscape of public service.