We are excited to announce the dates for our 2026 workshops:
Each session is limited to 20 participants, so early registration is encouraged to secure your spot. Registration for this workshops is open to elected officials only.
If you are interested in learning more please email Caleb Boorse at cboorse@arpaonline.ca.
It is widely understood that a high quality of life is essential to the economic wellbeing of a community and a key aspect of quality of life within a municipality’s controls is their recreation and parks programs and services. The Alberta Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA), with the support and encouragement of the AUMA, RMA and the Government of Alberta, have developed a professional development workshop on Sport, Physical Activity, Recreation (SPAR) & Parks in Alberta for elected officials.
This workshop is complimentary to the Elected Officials Education Program of AUMA and RMA and provides a certificate upon successful completion. The workshop will provide Council members with an understanding of the national framework documents, Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015 – Pathways to Wellbeing and Parks for All – An action Plan for Canada’s Parks Community and Common Vision for Increasing Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Living as well as the linkages to the Municipal Government Act and other applicable legislation. A significant portion of the day will be devoted to exploring practical examples that you can implement in your community.
We are very pleased to advise you that we have retained the services of the recently retired Mayor of Leduc, Mr. Bob Young to deliver the recreation and parks course.
Bob Young served two term as Leduc’s mayor from 2017-2025 and previously served as a city councilor since 2004. A Leduc resident since 1962, Bob attended local schools and later obtained his Bachelor of Education degree in 1980 (Red Deer College and University of Alberta) and worked as a teacher in the Region until retiring in 2016.
Over the years, Bob’s vast experience volunteering in the community included several sporting organizations, such as hockey, soccer, baseball, volleyball and basketball. Bob is a champion for promoting healthy, active, lifestyles.
Bob is the oldest son of John and Bev Young and married his wife Susan in 1977. They have two children, Laura and John, a granddaughter, Madeleine and a grandson, Max.
The Alberta Recreation & Parks Association would like to acknowledge the First Nations, the Métis, the Inuit and all of the people across Alberta who share a history and a deep connection with this land. We dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.