Upcoming Events
The National Recreation and Park Association's Playground Maintenance Course is a one-day (6.25 hour) educational course that covers the following topics – an overview of playground safety standards and guidelines, playground owner responsibilities and maintenance discussions on playground equipment, surfacing and site items. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the Playground Maintenance Course.
Additional Course Information:
Friendship Center
746 Commanche Ave, Salina, KS 67401
Instructor: Brian Anderson
Costs: $175 (Member), $205 (Non-member)
Who should Enroll? Professionals who should take the course include maintenance staff, recreation staff, university seniors and any individuals who are responsible for playgrounds.
Eligibility: Course participants must be 18 years of age or older.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the KRPA office at 785-235-6533 or jamie@krpa.org.
KRPA Event Policy:
No Refunds: Please note that all registrations are non-refundable. We regret that we cannot offer refunds for any cancellations.
Substitutions: We do allow substitutions. If you are unable to attend the event, you may transfer your registration to another person. Please notify us of any substitutions at least 48 hours prior to the event.
Registration Fees: All registration fees must be paid in full within 30 days of registration. Failure to pay within this timeframe may result in the cancellation of your registration.
Commercial Vendor Workshop Attendance
The Kansas Recreation and Parks Association (KRPA) values the contributions and engagement of our commercial partners. To maintain a professional environment that supports both educational and networking opportunities for our members and sponsors, KRPA has established the following policy regarding commercial vendors attending workshops and events:
Policy Overview: Commercial vendors may not register or participate as general workshop attendees unless they are sponsoring the specific event in question. This policy ensures that the presence of commercial entities at KRPA events is aligned with their purpose of networking and building relationships within a professional context, while respecting the intent of these events as learning opportunities for non-commercial attendees.
Commercial Vendor Definition: According to the KRPA bylaws Commercial Vendor is defined as: Individuals, organizations, companies, or business firms selling products or services to recreation, park, conservation, and leisure service agencies.
Exclusions: Commercial vendors may register and participate in these certification programs as general attendees. These courses are designed to provide specialized training and a certification from the National Recreation and Park Association. We understand the need of vendors may have to receive these certifications.
Lehigh-Portland State Park
Visitor Center
1578 Montana Road
Iola, KS 66749
Location: Joint Maintenance Facility (JMF), located southeast of U.S. 24 at 1000 Levee Drive, Manhattan, KS
Sponsored by:
Commercial Vendor Workshop Attendance The Kansas Recreation and Parks Association (KRPA) values the contributions and engagement of our commercial partners. To maintain a professional environment that supports both educational and networking opportunities for our members and sponsors, KRPA has established the following policy regarding commercial vendors attending workshops and events:
Policy Overview Commercial vendors may not register or participate as general workshop attendees unless they are sponsoring the specific event in question. This policy ensures that the presence of commercial entities at KRPA events is aligned with their purpose of networking and building relationships within a professional context, while respecting the intent of these events as learning opportunities for non-commercial attendees.
Commercial Vendor Definition According to the KRPA bylaws Commercial Vendor is defined as: Individuals, organizations, companies, or business firms selling products or services to recreation, park, conservation, and leisure service agencies.
Exclusions Commercial vendors may register and participate in these certification programs as general attendees. These courses are designed to provide specialized training and a certification from the National Recreation and Park Association. We understand the need of vendors may have to receive these certifications.
Includes: Lunch on course days, 1.5 CEUs and the CPSI Course Manual*
Additional Course Details:
Times: November 17-18 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, check in starts at 7:30 AM November 19 (Exam Day) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, check in starts at 8:00 AM
The CPSI course materials that must be read in advance will be mailed to the course registrants 4 weeks prior to the course.
*The CPSI Manual is mailed to registrants for the course. It is not included in the Exam Only option.
Please access the CPSI Candidate Handbook (Paper & Pencil Testing) on the CPSI Material and Resources page to review critical information regarding completing the course/examination. The handbook contains detailed information on requesting Special Accommodations, English as a Second Language accommodations, how to access Latin-American Spanish materials and day-of examination policies (wearable technology policy, ID policy, etc.)
The option to take the CPSI exam via computer based testing is available through the NRPA. To obtain additional information please visit www.nrpa.org/cpsi. Please be advised if you register to take the examination with the course, you will not receive a refund to take your exam via computer based testing at a later date. Please decide now if you would like to take the exam on Day 3 of the course or via a Computer Based Exam at a later date.
KRPA Student Poster Presentation Challenge
Hyatt Regency Wichita
400 West Waterman
Wichita, KS 67202
Deadline: December 11, 2026
Showcase your creativity and professional skills by developing an original program or event concept for the KRPA Student Poster Presentation Challenge. This hands-on project lets you apply what you’ve learned in class, connect with parks and recreation professionals from across Kansas, and compete for scholarship prizes.
Students will pay their KRPA Student Membership fee ($15) at the time of this registration, which will be reimbursed upon completion of their poster presentation at the KRPA Conference. Must attend student summit on January 26th.
If you are interested in learning more, please sign up for our informational webinar on October 13, 2026 at 1:30pm. Sign up here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/v_izWk-ZQSyLTqFtvLKiOg
Students:
Student members may attend the Student Summit and conference sessions at no charge IF they pre-register. Students can join KRPA for $15 when registering online for the conference.
NOTE: The student registration does not include lunches or evening socials. Students can purchase tickets in advance for the meals and socials for an extra fee.
Refunds: Conference Attendees cancellations received by December 31st are entitled to a 100% refund for those that paid by check, and 96% for those paid by credit card. Cancellations received between January 1 - 8 will receive a 70% refund if paid by check, and a 66% refund if paid by credit card. No refunds will be given after January 8th.
Registration Fees: Attendee fees must be paid by January 22, 2027
Join us for the first-ever KRPA Book Club! Led by KRPA member, Cherie Riffey, Parks Division Assistant Director of Administration for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
The inaugural book is The Mental Game: Winning the War Within Your Mind by Darrin Donnelly.
We’ll meet during the 2027 KRPA Conference in January to discuss the book, share takeaways and hear different perspectives from fellow parks and recreation professionals.
This first gathering will also be your chance to help shape the future of the KRPA Book Club. We’ll vote on our next book and talk about what we’d like the book club to look like going forward.
There’s no cost to participate, and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to be a lifelong book club person. Come ready to read, share and have a good conversation.
The book is available through bookstores, many local libraries, and library apps such as Hoopla. Audiobooks are welcome, too!
Meeting details will be shared with those who RSVP.
Individuals taking the CPSI Classroom Course will gain practical, hands-on training on how to apply the ASTM standards and the CPSC guidelines to playground environments. Course participants will learn how to identify hazards on public playgrounds and playground equipment, how to rank hazards according to injury potential and how to apply that knowledge and establish a playground safety program.
Times: March 2-3 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, check in starts at 7:30 AM March 4(Exam Day) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, check in starts at 8:00 AM
The CPSI course materials that must be read in advance will be mailed to the course registrants 4 weeks prior to the course. Course materials are not provided to those that register for the CPSI Exam only.
