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 ...
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 ...
HR Committee New Member Orientation
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Located within IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section, the HR Committee consists of a group of professionals that specialize in Human Resources. A this coffee chat, we will welcome new members and review the benefits and the support ...
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 ...
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 ...
Lunch & Learn: Refined & Ready: Concrete Solutions for Parks That Last
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sidewalks, trails, shelters, and other high-traffic surfaces need practical, long-lasting solutions for their concrete repair and preservation -- without the disruption or cost of a full replacement. This dynamic presentation is designed to empower...
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.
Mental Health First Aid Training - Youth
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education program that teaches how to recognize and respond to mental health problems or crises. Originating in Australia in 2000, MHFA has spread to over 25 countries. The evidence-based course has ...
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 ...
Risk Management Committee Roundtable
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
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
Aquatics Committee Roundtable & Education
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Facility Management (FM) Section, the Aquatic Committee consists of a group of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around Aquatic Facilities. At this meeting we will talk about professional burnout and ti
Administration & Finance Section Board Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section consists of park district professionals that either specialize or work in and around administration, finance, human resources, information technology, registration services, and/or risk management. If you are i
Communications & Marketing Section Roundtable: Preparing for New ADA Website Compliance Standards
2:00 PM - 3:00 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. Join us for our Q1 Board Meeting, followed by a Marketing Roun
New Professionals Committee Meeting
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Section, the New Professionals Committee consists of new professionals that have been in the field of therapeutic recreation for five (5) years or less. If you are interested in joining the ...
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 ...
ProConnect: The Magic of Mentorship - Expanding Horizons and Embracing Growth
Triads are pushed to expand their horizons and embrace growth—parks, recreation, and conservation style.
Department Head Committee Meeting: 2027 Conference Presentation Planning
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Administration & Finance (A&F) Section, the Department Head Committee consists of a group of department head level professionals who meet to discuss and pursue opportunities for networking, professional development, and leadership tra
Communications & Marketing Section Meeting & Marketing Meet Up
2:00 PM - 4:00 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. Join us for our Q1 Board Meeting, followed by a Marketing Roun
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 ...
Congrats on Your New Job Title! Now What?
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Stepping into leadership is exciting—and a little overwhelming.
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 ...
Diversity Section Board Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
IPRA's Diversity (DIV) Section consists of professionals aiming to expand the knowledge base and emphasize the importance of diversity in Parks, Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation and Forest Preserves. We focus on two focal points: 1) ...
Managing the Madness of Parks & Natural Resources
8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Designed for those who keep our parks safe, sustainable, and thriving, this high-energy program delivers actionable insights you can immediately apply in your agency.
Nature Committee Meeting: Getting Down to Basics in Nature Programming
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Located within IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, the Nature Committee consists of a group of professionals that specialize or work in and around nature centers and nature programming. Don't work at a nature center? Don't worry, we still have so much to offe
Lunch & Learn: Responsible AI in Action: Policy, Ethics, and Data Integrity
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This Lunch & Learn session explores how park and recreation professionals can navigate the responsible use of AI while protecting data integrity, privacy, and transparency. Participants will gain a clear understanding ...
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 ...
Bring Your Umbrella - Forecasting as a Skill
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
In parks and recreation, surprises are inevitable—but being unprepared doesn’t have to be.
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.
Supervisor Symposium
8:45 AM - 3:15 PM
Hosted by IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, Supervisor Symposium celebrates its 24th year in providing students and professionals in parks, recreation, conservation, and forest preserves a curriculum that builds a strong foundation of basic skills needed
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 ...
Sponsorship Committee Roundtable: Foundations at Every Stage: New Beginnings, Sustained Impact, and Endings
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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
ProConnect: The Magic of Mentorship - Sustaining the Circle of Mentorship
Triads step into the heart of the journey and focus on sustaining the circle of mentorship—parks, recreation, and conservation style.
Communication Pathways and Their Purpose
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Not every message belongs in the same channel—and not every audience needs the same level of detail.
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.
IPRA Open House
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
IPRA Members are welcome to stop by anytime to say hello, take a tour of our new office, and meet the IPRA team. Light refreshments will be provided — just pop in when you can! Please register by April 13 so we know how many to expect.
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
Recreation Section Joint Committee Meeting
9:30 AM - 1:45 PM
IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section consists of professionals that either specialize or work in and around athletics, special events, seniors, teens, early childhood, and camps. The Board Meeting will mainly consist of reports from the Section ...
From Peer to Power Dynamic - Setting New Boundaries
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Moving from “one of the team” to “the one leading the team” can be one of the toughest transitions in management.
Park Pursuit 2026: Get Your Kicks on Route 66
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The 19th Annual Park Pursuit, hosted by IPRA's Recreation (REC) Section, is modeled after the Emmy Award-winning reality television series 'The Amazing Race'. The event provides park district professionals with the opportunity to engage in a half-day race
ProConnect: The Magic of Mentorship - Lights, Camera, Action!
This final event brings the triad brings the triad mentorship story to center stage—parks, recreation, and conservation style!
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.
Reframing Problems as Positives - Changing Perspective
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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 ...
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 : 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.