Education and Training


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The Society holds an Annual Institute and Trade Show each spring which rotates around the state. Educational sessions featuring leaders from around the nation include tracks on a variety of issues relating to park, recreation and leisure services. Employees of all levels are guaranteed a rewarding variety of continuing education opportunities at the Institute. Combined with a trade show, the Institute provides a keen opportunity for vendors to interact with members of all levels, providing them information and research on the latest trends and technology available to enhance the field.

Additionally, Regional Workshops and Conferences are conducted throughout the year, which offer one or two day training opportunities on single topic or theme presentations. Details about the regional conferences are published in Society publications, posted on our Web site at www.traps.org, and promoted through communications with Regional Directors.

The National Playground Safety Inspector Certification Course, developed by the National Playground Safety Institute, provides that most comprehensive and widely recognized training available on playground hazard identification and risk management. The course is offered at least twice a year in Texas. As an affiliate of NRPA, we are able to provide continuing education credits towards obtaining or maintaining the national Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) credential, as well as other professional credentials. Details regarding CPRP certification are available from the Society office.

Upcoming Education and Training Events

2008 Texas Water & Recreation Summit

April 10th - 11th, 2008

A Sustainable Future for Surface Water & Outdoor Recreation: Challenges, Conversations & Collaborations.
San Marcos Activity Center - San Marcos, Texas.

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2008 Texas Water & Recreation Summit.

Educational Session Presentation Information

2009 Institute and Trade Show

February 25-27, 2009

The Institute is packed with educational sessions featuring leaders from across the country and covering a variety of issues relating to parks, recreation, and leisure services. Employees of all levels are offered a variety of opportunities to earn continuing education units (CEUs) at the Institute. The Institute provides a unique opportunity for vendors to interact with members, providing information and research on the latest trends and technology available to enhance the field. The State Maintenance Rodeo provides competitive events for regional winners to demonstrate skills utilized in day to day operations.

2009 Institute theme is Capitol Challenges for Capital Ideas ....towards a promising future held on February 25-27 in Austin, Texas

National Playground & Safety Institute

November 11 - 13, 2008

To be held in Round Rock, Texas. Additional details coming soon.

Regional Workshops

Regional Workshops and Conferences are conducted throughout the year, which offer one or two day training opportunities on single topic or theme presentations.
Tri-Region (Region 1, 8 & 9) Maintanence Rodeo & Workshop - October 9 - 10
Region 4 Workshop- October 10
Region 5 & 7 Workshop- November 14
Region 2 & 3 Workshop- November 20 - 21

Executive Director

Michal Anne Lord

Michal Anne Lord, Ph.D., CPRP, TRS/TXC

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