IPRA Calendar
IPRA Calendar
IT Networking Committee Education & Meeting
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Located within IPRA's Administration & Finance Section, the IT Networking Committee consists of park, recreation, and forest preserve professionals that either specialize or work in and around information technology. This event will feature ...
Social Media Committee Roundtable: The Struggle is Real, Building a Social Plan That Actually Works
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Hosted by IPRA's Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section, the Social Media Committee covers content strategy, best practices, platform updates, analytics, engagement tactics, accessibility, emerging trends, and much more. If you are interested in joining
'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.
Planner Task Force Roundtable & Education: Take a Risk with Rope Playgrounds
11:00 AM - 1:15 PM
IPRA's Parks & Natural Resource Management (PNRM) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around parks and natural resources. If you are interested in joining the Section or simply wish to attend for education
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
Senior Committee Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Senior Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that serve older adults. If you are interested in joining the committee or simply wish to attend for educational and networking purpose
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.
Recreation Section Board Meeting
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around athletics, special events, seniors, teens, early childhood, and camps. If you are interested in joining the section or simply ...
Forest Preserve and Conservation Section Meeting and Virtual Social
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
The Forest Preserve and Conservation (FPC) Section consists of professionals that either specialize or work in and around forest preserves and/or conservation. If you are interested in joining the section or simply wish to attend for educational and netwo
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 ...
Agency Showcase: Preparing to Shine
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Whether you're submitting to the Agency Showcase for the first time or looking to elevate your next entry, this session will give you the tools and confidence to put your agency's best work forward. Representatives from the Agency Showcase Committee ...
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.
Growth Mindset for Career Growth - Skills Development for Middle Management
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Stepping into middle management is an exciting opportunity and a big adjustment. Designed for professionals who oversee departments and supervise staff, this program builds confidence in your leadership role.
Congrats on Your New Job Title! Now What?
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Stepping into leadership is exciting—and a little overwhelming.
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
'26 Therapeutic Recreation Summit
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
The Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Summit is a premier professional development event designed to help therapeutic recreation professionals grow as leaders, strengthen their skills, and connect with peers from across Illinois.
Early Childhood Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Early Childhood Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around early childhood programs. If you are interested in joining the ...
Parks & Natural Resource Management Section Virtual Board Meeting & Roundtable
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
IPRA's Parks & Natural Resource Management (PNRM) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around parks and natural resources. If you are interested in joining the Section or simply wish to attend for education
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
Bring Your Umbrella - Forecasting as a Skill
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In parks and recreation, surprises are inevitable—but being unprepared doesn’t have to be.
'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 ...
Illinois Delegate Reception @ NRPA 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Join us in Philadelphia! On September 30, 2026, IPRA and IAPD are co-hosting our annual Illinois Delegate Reception during the NRPA Annual Conference. Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks will be provided; a cash bar available.
Communication Pathways and Their Purpose
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Not every message belongs in the same channel—and not every audience needs the same level of detail.
'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 ...
Early Childhood Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Early Childhood Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around early childhood programs. If you are interested in joining the ...
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.
From Peer to Power Dynamic - Setting New Boundaries
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Moving from “one of the team” to “the one leading the team” can be one of the toughest transitions in management.
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 ...
Reframing Problems as Positives - Changing Perspective
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Leadership is as much about mindset as it is about skillset.
Early Childhood Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Early Childhood Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around early childhood programs. If you are interested in joining the ...
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.
Early Childhood Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Early Childhood Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around early childhood programs. If you are interested in joining the ...
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.