Saskatchewan Parks Worker Course (limit 20) $825+GST
Irrigation Systems & Turfgrass Management (limit 20) $625+GST
Small Engine Repair (limit 10) $350+GST
Building Maintenance Level #1 Course (limit 20) $375+GST
Landscape Pesticide Applicator (limit 20) $775+GST
General Welding (limit 12) $350+GST
Arena Operator Level #1 Ice Maintenance Course (limit 20) $375+GST
Arena Operator Level #2 (limit 20) $725+GST
NETWORKING AND CONNECTING
Monday, April 22 – Meet & Greet Pizza Night sponsored by 1 Stop Playgrounds.
Monday to Thursday – Return of the group lunch included in the registration fee.
REGISTER HERE - or visit us at www.spra.sk.ca/symposium.
Deadline to Register is April 15, 2024.
Missed last year’s Symposium? Here are a few things our registrants had to say…
“I had no knowledge of this topic until today. I enjoyed the entire course”
“What I liked most about the course was learning about new technologies.”
“The course was well done. Very helpful and practical.”
“The 3 things I like most about the Symposium are meeting new people, learning opportunities, and hands on instruction.”
Hotel Block Info
Bella Vista Inn – Main Host Hotel
Location: 1815 8th Ave
Phone: 1-800-667-0790 or 1-306-682-2686
Website: www.bellavistainn.ca
Email: info@bellavistainn.ca
Rate: $114.95 per night + taxes
Reference: SPRA2024
Book by April 15 for discounted rates
Canalta Hotel
Location: 2421 8th Ave
Phone: 1-888-831-1331
Website: www.canaltahotels.com
Email: canaltahumboldt@canalta.com
Rate: $142.00 per night + taxes
Reference: SPRA2024
Book by April 15 for discounted rates
When booking rooms please state, “Block of rooms for SPRA 2024 Symposium, April 22-25”
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
1. Saskatchewan Parks Worker Course (Certification)
April 22 – 25, 2024 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Presenter: Patricia Hanbidge with Orchid Horticulture
Description: Focused on the horticultural requirements for a successful park system, the Saskatchewan Parks Worker Course provides an overview of a typical parks system and its maintenance practices.
This SPRA developed course provides an in-depth review of: Soil Health, Plant Biology, Turf, Pest and Weed Management, Equipment Maintenance, Parks Design, Public Relations, and Safety. This is a fourday course that includes classroom learning and outdoor tours. Please dress appropriately.
This course is specifically designed for SPRA Members, municipalities in Saskatchewan and all park operators. If you are involved in the management or hand-on operation of a park or green space, this is the course for you! Successful completion of the course exam provides participants with a Certificate of Completion issued by SPRA.
2. Arena Operator Level # 2 Refrigeration Course
April 21 – 25, 2024 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sunday – Wednesday, AND 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Thursday with the provincial Refrigeration Operator exam starting at 1 p.m.)
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: APRIL 15, 2024 – no registrations are possible after this date.
NOTE: THIS COURSE STARTS ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21 AT THE BELLA VISTA INN.
Presenter: Bill Cote
Description: This intensive five-day course will provide participants with an overview of modern industrial refrigeration systems and their safe operation. Topics will include thermodynamics, operation and maintenance of refrigeration plants, refrigeration components, equipment and controls, and refrigerants and brines. Participants will write the Provincial Refrigeration Operators Exam at the end of the course to become a Licensed Refrigeration Operator in the province. The course is challenging, and participants should have a basic understanding of refrigeration systems and some mechanical aptitude.
3. Irrigation Systems & Turfgrass Management
April 22 – 23, 2024 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Presenter: Dennis McKernan with LifeWorks Design & Consulting Ltd.
Description: Don’t miss this premier irrigation and turfgrass course! We are excited to Welcome Dennis McKernan to deliver a two-day course that will benefit anyone operating irrigation systems and turfgrass areas such as parks, sports fields, and municipal golf courses. The first day of the course will focus on park/recreation irrigation including the topics of: large scale system components, piping,
valves, sprinklers, controllers, design concepts and more! System maintenance and repair as well as water source management will also be discussed. The second day will focus on Turfgrass species, particularly those that are drought tolerant including reproduction methods, turfgrass density strategies as well as Fertilizing, Mowing and Aeration programs. The course will conclude with a review of Turf Pests and their Control Methods.
Register now and don’t miss this rare Saskatchewan opportunity to learn from a leading expert! Dennis spent 14 years as a Manager in the Grounds Maintenance field before beginning a successful career as an Instructor at Olds College Horticulture Dept in the fields of Turfgrass and Irrigation Management. He went on to become the Education Director for the Irrigation Association in the U.S.A. where he was responsible for the development and delivery of over 200 classes each year to irrigation industry professionals. He finished his career as Executive Director for the Alberta Golf Superintendents Association where he administered all aspects of the association. His consulting company, LifeWorks Design & Consulting Ltd., has provided services to clients in thirteen countries; LifeWorks currently has fourteen municipal and City Parks Depts from Western Canada on its client list.
4. Landscape Pesticide Applicator (Pest 172)
April 24 – 25, 2024 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Presenter: Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Carlton Trail College
Description: You will learn how to use herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides to maintain plants and turf on outdoor residential, commercial, and public lands including golf courses, sports fields, school yards, public parks, and other public areas in urban locations. Typical applicators requiring the Landscape training include yard maintenance companies, city and town employees, and golf course maintenance employees. This course will conclude with an exam during the afternoon of April 25. The course requires a minimum of 10 registered participants and may be cancelled if this threshold is not met by the registration deadline.
5. Small Engine Repair
April 22 – 23, 2024 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Presenter: Mike Chuckry, Carlton Trail College
Description: This two-day course covers basic small engine repair for both 2 and 4 stroke engines. Theory and hands-on training are provided. Participants need to bring: Wrenches, screwdrivers, a 3/8 drive socket set, hammer, and punches. This course will be held indoors, in a shop setting at the Carlton Trail College Industrial Building at 1105-4th Avenue in Humboldt. Please dress appropriately.
6. General Welding
April 24 – 25, 2024 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Presenter: Gerald Neudorf, Carlton Trail College
Description: This two-day course is an Introduction to General Welding. This will include an introduction to arc welding and basic oxyfuel cutting. Theory and hands on training are provided. Participants need to bring overalls, welding gloves, steel toed boots, safety glasses, and a welding helmet. Other welding materials are included. This is a great opportunity to upgrade your skills and learn how to repair your own equipment! This course will be held indoors, in a shop setting at the Carlton Trail College Industrial Building at 1105-4th Avenue in Humboldt. Please dress appropriately.
7. Building Maintenance Level #1
April 22 – 23, 2024 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Presenter: Craig Geisler
Description: This course provides an overview of facility maintenance practices and practical advice. This course is designed to help operators and maintenance staff understand the workings of components within their facilities and know the terminology to deal with contractors. From there, the operators and maintenance staff can develop sound maintenance practices to improve the operation and useful life of the fixed assets in their facility. Proper planning and the implementation of preventative maintenance practices benefits your department and community.
8. Arena Operator Level #1 – Ice Maintenance Course
April 24 – 25, 2024 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Presenter: Canadian Arena Services
Description: This course provides a detailed account of ice installation and maintenance practices. The practical work of this course will focus on ice maintenance. Emphasis will be on the safe operation of ice resurfacer, edger, ice thickness, ice leveling, etc. Ice installation will be discussed more in the classroom portion of the course. Several complementary topics are discussed to provide participants with a well-rounded knowledge of arena industry practices. All the aspects discussed are related to the successful and safe operation of an arena facility. Furthermore, this course will be an opportunity to discuss and share best practices for those attending. Participants need to wear appropriate clothing and footwear (cleats are strongly recommended) to spend periods of time on the ice surface.
SPRA reserves the right to cancel, add or change courses as required for the benefit of the Symposium and Members.