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.

Education and Training Events

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.

2010 Institute theme is A League of Our Own held on March 3-5 in Frisco, Texas


2009 Water & Recreation Summit
November 11-12, Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TX

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National Playground Safety Inspector Certification Course and Exam Sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA), the National Playground Safety Institute's (NPSI) Playground Safety Inspector Certification Course provides the most comprehensive and widely recognized training available on playground hazard identification and risk management.

Future Dates
March 1-3, Frisco, Texas - Registration information

National Aquatic Conference

March 22- March 28

March 22, 2010 - March 28, 2010
Houston, Texas

The National Recreation and Park Association's National Aquatic Conference (NAC) is the premier venue for aquatic professionals in the nation. Drawing hundreds of attendees annually from all areas of aquatics, NAC provides attendees with the tools, concepts, and resources to be effective and successful in the challenging aquatics environment. With the combination of leading-edge peer-reviewed education programming and a powerful tradeshow, attendees walk away with the knowledge to apply current trends and best practices towards more cost effective, efficient, and safety oriented operations.

Registration and hotel information

Held each year and sponsored by the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) branch. The Summit is a great opportunity to share new ideas about programming for individuals with special needs, new twists on old ideas, hands-on learning, networking, and just plain fun.

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 (Regions 1, 8 and 9) - October 22 - 23, Abilene

Region 2 and 3 - November 13, Fort Worth

Region 5 and 7 - November 13, Schertz

Executive Director

Michal Anne Lord

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

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