IPRA Calendar
IPRA Calendar
CPRE Discounted Exam Registration
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certification establishes a national standard for managerial, administrative, and executive park and recreation professionals. This is a nationally accredited mastery-level certificate, and ...
CPRP Discounted Exam Registration
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is a national certification program through the National Recreation and Park Association, and it is designed for park and recreation professionals that wish to put their career on the path to ...
School Age & Day Camp Committee Meeting
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the School Age & Day Camp Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around before-and-after school programs and camps. If you are ...
Agency Showcase 2025
The Agency Showcase is a spirited competition spotlighting bright ideas exhibited by park, recreation and conservation agencies. This professionally judged competition recognizes Illinois agencies for their marketing and communication efforts ...
Administration & Finance Section Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
IPRA's Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around marketing, communications, graphic design, and sponsorship. If you are interested in joining the section or ...
Communications & Marketing Section Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
IPRA's Communications & Marketing (C&M) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around marketing, communications, graphic design, and sponsorship. If you are interested in joining the section or ...
Therapeutic Recreation Section Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around special recreation agencies. During this meeting we will recap the year, and present our annual awards presentation. If you ar
Parks & Natural Resource Management Section Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation
5:00 PM - 6:00 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 educatio
2026 Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course - Spring A
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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 : Connected Communities: Turning Purposeful Outreach into Real Results
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Strong organizations and successful careers are built on consistent community outreach, meaningful relationships, and a clear sense of purpose.
SDWS : Connected Communities: Turning Purposeful Outreach into Real Results
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Strong organizations and successful careers are built on consistent community outreach, meaningful relationships, and a clear sense of purpose.
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 ...
2026 Aquatic Facility Operator Course - Spring
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) course is a national certification program offered by the National Recreation and Park Association and hosted by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. The program is designed to provide the most ...
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 ...
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 ...
2026 Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course - Spring B
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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 : AI in Parks and Recreation: What's Next
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how park and recreation agencies plan, operate, and engage with their communities.
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Finance
10:00 AM - 12:00 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
1:00 PM - 3:00 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 ...
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 ...
SDWS : AI in Parks and Recreation: What's Next
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how park and recreation agencies plan, operate, and engage with their communities.
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 ...
CPRE Virtual Exam Prep - Operations
10:00 AM - 12:00 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 ...
CPRP Virtual Exam Prep - Operations
1:00 PM - 3:00 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 Financial Sustainability Certificate Program - Part I
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
The Financial Sustainability Certification Program is designed to enhance and accelerate career growth for park, recreation, and conservation professionals.
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 ...
SDWS : Building a Learning Organization
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Successful teams don’t happen by chance—they thrive in environments that accelerate competence and encourage continuous growth.
SDWS : Building a Learning Organization
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Successful teams don’t happen by chance—they thrive in environments that accelerate competence and encourage continuous growth.
SDWS : Doing More with Less - Collaboration Is the Key to Success
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Budget cuts, staffing shortages, and growing community needs are realities for many park and recreation professionals. The good news? Collaboration can turn limited resources into expanded impact.
SDWS : Doing More with Less - Collaboration Is the Key to Success
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Budget cuts, staffing shortages, and growing community needs are realities for many park and recreation professionals. The good news? Collaboration can turn limited resources into expanded impact.
SDWS : Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding and Addressing Ableism in Customer Service
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
More than one in four Americans lives with a disability — some visible, many not. Yet ableism, or bias against people with disabilities, often appears in ways we don’t even recognize
SDWS : Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding and Addressing Ableism in Customer Service
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
More than one in four Americans lives with a disability — some visible, many not. Yet ableism, or bias against people with disabilities, often appears in ways we don’t even recognize
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.