Come get your CYSA Certification from NAYS – course will include the kick off at the URPA Conference and online study & exam materials to complete certification.
An exclusive opportunity to bring together parks, maintenance and planning focused professionals alongside parks equipment, product and service partners for an exciting day filled with education, networking and hands on experiences.
Dive deep into the technical side of aquatic facility management in this advanced, hands-on workshop. Designed for experienced operators, maintenance personnel and managers, this session focuses on optimizing your facility’s chemical and pump operations to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This workshop will equip you with the tools, techniques, and knowledge to enhance your facility’s operations, save costs and stay ahead of the curve in aquatic facility management.
Implementing YOUR vision can be extremely difficult in the aquatics industry with so many competing priorities coming at you each day. This session will equip you with the information to start working proactively rather than reactively. We will explore how to build a vision, workplan and explore tools and strategies to execute. Understanding the value of a structured approach to implementing your aquatic vision will set you and your teams up for success.
Unlock your facility’s potential with a dynamic group fitness program that boosts member retention, satisfaction, and engagement. This hands-on workshop, led by industry experts, explores: • Best Practices: Benefits, class selection, and scheduling • Standardization: Streamlined experiences and instructor training • Program Development: Balancing member favorites and attracting new participants Plus, master marketing strategies to maximize your reach, including social media, email campaigns, seasonal promotions, and community outreach. Don’t miss this opportunity to create a “can’t miss” program that inspires health journeys and drives sign-ups!
There is a common phrase in the leadership world that states, the best leaders are self-aware leaders. During this highly interactive workshop, participants will be given time to reflect, discuss and grow within some of their own core characteristics of leadership. The session will ultimately concentrate on the foundational aspect of building and maintaining trust within their organization, mastering the art of active listening, and differentiating between directive and developmental conversational techniques. Participants will also learn how to cultivate a feedback-rich environment and develop a coaching mindset through strategic questioning. Be ready to join in and enhance your leadership skills in order to continue to drive positive change within your team and organization. There is a common phrase in the leadership world that states, the best leaders are self-aware leaders. During this highly interactive workshop, participants will be given time to reflect, discuss and grow within some of their own core characteristics of leadership. The session will ultimately concentrate on the foundational aspect of building and maintaining trust within their organization, mastering the art of active listening, and differentiating between directive and developmental conversational techniques. Participants will also learn how to cultivate a feedback-rich environment and develop a coaching mindset through strategic questioning. Be ready to join in and enhance your leadership skills in order to continue to drive positive change within your team and organization.
Hockey in UTAH! Capitalize on the buzz around Utah’s newest professional sports team and bring the excitement and fast paced action of Street Hockey to the youth in your community. This interactive workshop equips you with the tools, strategies and inspiration to host engaging hockey sessions for kids. Learn how to: • Teach essential skills like passing, shooting, and teamwork • Create safe, inclusive, and fun play environments • Design age-appropriate drills and game formats • Build enthusiasm for your community programs Led by our Utah Hockey Club Youth Sports Staff, this workshop provides everything you need to inspire a love for hockey while discussing best practices in organizing clinics, camps and leagues. Come prepared to play, learn and teach!
Elevate your funding strategy with this dynamic and practical workshop tailored for parks and recreation professionals. Discover proven techniques for successful fundraising, building effective sponsorship programs, identifying grant opportunities, and crafting compelling grant proposals. Learn how to leverage AI tools to streamline grant writing, identify funding opportunities, and analyze data to strengthen your proposals. We will explore real-world examples and discuss funding solutions for community events, active aging programs, parks and recreation facilities, and underserved populations. Through expert guidance, interactive discussions, and insights into emerging technologies, you’ll acquire the tools to secure sustainable financial support, develop meaningful partnerships, and achieve program success, creating lasting benefits for your community.
What defines a hero? Participants will learn to connect themselves with their superhero within. How we talk, walk and look are all factors that affect our image to ourselves and our communities. Lifeguards are heroes and it is imperative that we, as an industry, better recognize this and start celebrating it!
In today's market you need to not only get patrons but you need to keep them coming back and back yet again all while spending more and telling others. The easiest way to do this by delivering not just good service but Superhero level service to create major distinction.
Discover how collaboration between elected officials and program directors can drive impactful solutions to community challenges. This session highlights best practices for fostering partnerships that enhance resource alignment, community engagement, and problem-solving.
Join us for an impactful safety class that delves into real-life incidents and fatalities, showcasing powerful images that tell their stories. But it doesn't stop there. We'll turn these sobering experiences into positive outcomes. Discover how safety practices not only save lives but also pay off in the workplace and at home. Together, let's transform tragedy into triumph and build a safer future.
This interactive session aims to get attendees excited and started on the right track when terms like "Bike Park" and "Pump Track" are brought up. Join us for this amazing ride as we guide attendees through this unique and impactful area of Parks and Recreation. From the concept of a bike park, to the ribbon cutting, and everything in between!
This session will include a panel of experts. It will cover what you need to find out to secure the perfect internship, what you need know, and best practices as you get ready. Audience members should plan to bring questions.
Join us for "Transforming Meetings," an impactful session on running effective meetings. Learn strategies to turn time-wasting huddles into dynamic, goal-driven sessions. Discover techniques for setting clear objectives, boosting collaboration, and engaging participants. Elevate your meetings with skills that deliver results and leave a lasting impact. Transform your approach and make every meeting matter!
Join fellow sports field professionals at the SFMA Annual Meeting to network, share insights and discuss updates from SFMA. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts dedicated to creating exceptional sports surfaces!
Hear from industry leaders who promote the importance of self-care, relationship building and work-life balance. This session will focus on how to build meaningful connections with peers, instead of focusing on building one's network.
Come and learn about the experiences from the graduating class of Leadership Academy. See how this program could benefit you and your organization. All incoming Leadership Academy participants are encouraged to attend, as well as anyone exploring this program for future participation.
This roundtable discussion is geared towards communities under 30,000 population. You will have the opportunity to discuss best practices with organizations that have the same financial scope and employee size as your community. Topics will include recreation, parks, projects, funding and administration.
This interactive, power punched session will provide practical strategies to assist you in leading collaborative meetings and/or planning sessions with your team or community to assist in the design of their events. Participants will examine the stages of an experience and the importance of the participant journey as it applies to their event and/or program design.
Are you and your team tired of the same old types of trainings? Is it time to shake things up a bit? Come out and learn about unique and exciting training formats and techniques that not only work but are also fun for your teams. This session is not a round table training discussion but rather non-stop back to back sharing of ideas on how you can train your aquatic team members on a variety of topics. Leave this session stocked with ideas and new ways of thinking. It is time to start thinking outside the box with trainings.
This engaging and educational session will explore the key differences between private for-profit fitness businesses and municipal parks and recreation facilities, such as community rec centers. We’ll dive into the challenges parks and recreation professionals face in securing funding and board approval, as well as the common misconceptions that municipal facilities are simply "gyms." By examining the roles both types of facilities play in serving communities, we’ll highlight the unique benefits and necessity of each. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to tell their story more effectively and advocate for the resources needed to provide equitable access to fitness for all.
A different approach to HR! Human Resources is not just about compliance this, compliance that, laws, laws and more laws....it's also about authentic human connections and relationships. It's about creating a FUN, light, engaging atmosphere and keeping things FRESH!
Bermudagrass was on the noxious weeds list in Utah until July 2024. Come learn about the regulations, delisting process, uses and benefits of Hybrid Bermudagrass. Bermudagrass requires 50% less water than Bluegrass and is excellent for Parks, Playing Fields, and Landscapes.
This session focuses on sharing lessons learned from the installation and operation of multiple municipal interactive water features over the last 15 years – from systems and equipment type, to materials, budgets, and construction methods, this session will provide insight to any municipality contemplating the design and installation of an interactive water feature in the near future.
Ready to elevate your career? This session explores four career phases and strategies to excel at each, helping you prepare for the next step. Gain insights to improve yourself, expand your influence, and position yourself for promotion.
Safety is a team effort! This session focuses on the critical role of first aid skills and well-structured emergency action plans (EAPs) in youth sports. Participants will gain practical knowledge to address injuries and emergencies on the field, as well as strategies for creating and implementing effective EAPs. Join us to ensure you’re prepared to protect young athletes and respond confidently when every second counts.
Ever felt like a program or event had lost its impact? Wondered if it was time to let it go? This presentation explores the lifecycle of recreation programs, showing how even cherished traditions can conclude. Through data and feedback, discover how programs were reimagined, retired, or transformed into inclusive, impactful experiences that better serve evolving community needs.
Discover the journey of how our facility was selected as a Team Base Camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This session will delve into the rigorous selection process, the criteria set by FIFA, and the preparations undertaken to meet the world-class standards required for hosting international teams. Gain insights into the challenges faced and the strategies implemented to provide a "home away from home" for the world's top footballers.
Proceeds support the URPA scholarship program! Pay for your auction items through AffiniPay: https://secure.affinipay.com/pages/utah-recreation-and-parks-association/payments?qr_used=true
Tuesday March 11, 2025 4:25pm - 4:25pm PDT
Hallway1835 S Convention Center Dr, St. George, UT 84790, USA
The 2007 crypto outbreak in Utah resulted in requirements and regulations to better safeguard health department regulated pools. This discussion focuses on understanding the requirements, technologies available, and supporting existing product installations.
Parks and recreation professionals are experts at caring for their communities, but who takes care of them? In this engaging and interactive session, we’ll explore the vital role of self-care in maintaining well-being and managing stress. Participants will practice tangible self-care techniques and apply them to real-life scenarios, equipping them with tools they can use immediately. Through hands-on exercises and group discussions, attendees will create a personalized self-care plan, designed to fit their unique needs and daily routines. Join us to learn how prioritizing your own well-being can lead to greater resilience, productivity, and impact in your professional and personal life.
Let's answer the Who, What, Where, When and Why of social media posts and grow your senior center! Learn tips and tricks to make engaging posts that bring the masses!
: Leaders are neither able nor expected to do everything themselves. Attempting to do so can have severe consequences. How can leaders delegate effectively? By giving authority and responsibilities to individuals or team members and provide the resources, directions and support needed to achieve the expected results. Delegating by Design focuses on creating an environment based on trust and establishing rapport with colleagues to delegate successfully. Participants will learn tools to engage and empower people to resolve their problems and implement spontaneous delegation to protect discretionary time.
Join us for a deep dive into cutting-edge, sustainable playground surfacing solutions that prioritize safety. This session provides tools to create vibrant, secure playgrounds and enhance recreation environments. Ideal for professionals dedicated to improving play spaces with eco-friendly materials.
The Deseret Peak Complex in Tooele County, Utah was built over 20 years ago. Funding has been secured to refresh and renew the complex with updated amenities. This session will discuss the complexities of refreshing or retrofitting an existing complex, its challenges, and lessons learned.
Want to know how billionaires manage their time? Everyone's given the same 24/7 but results differ. The disparity comes down to how time is spent. Getting more out of your day and your team can easily happen by mirroring successful systems. Come and find out how!
Master creating a digital presence without draining resources. Learn to use free and paid tools from Google, Facebook, and Instagram effectively. Understand the difference between social media presence and advertising, explore must-dos, and avoid pitfalls to maximize value.
Parks & rec depts face evolving demands, from AI and tech accessibility to growing sports like pickleball and cricket, while aiming to improve resident satisfaction. With limited budgets & staff, this session explores how depts nationwide can use tech solutions to innovate and boost efficiency.
Learn from the best as our panel of university experts shares proven strategies for maintaining and enhancing sports field quality. This session will cover essential topics such as turf care, field maintenance techniques, and innovative approaches to sustainability and performance. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and ask questions from leaders in sports field management!
Join us for an exclusive offsite tour of the Shivwits Soccer Fields Project, a groundbreaking collaboration between the Utah Youth Soccer Association (UYSA) and the Schivwits Band of Paiutes. Explore the 19-acre complex, featuring four state-of-the-art soccer fields and learn how this initiative is enhancing local youth sports infrastructure and fostering community engagement. Discover the project’s impact on regional development and its role in promoting cultural understanding. The tour departs the Conference Center at 7:30 AM and returns at 10:00 AM – don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness a legacy in the making!
Great leaders inspire, empower, and build trust. This session covers eight key attributes to strengthen relationships, drive positive outcomes, and turn leadership challenges into opportunities. Participants will complete a self-assessment, identify areas for growth, and set goals.
This interactive session will discuss how intentional strategies to build culture within your organization will make positive impacts on your team members and ultimately the services you deliver to your community. The development of a healthy team does not happen without intention and this session will provide professionals with practical strategies to build or maintain their current team culture.
This session will explore ways to help emergency situations before they arrive. Prevention is the best tool to keep seniors safe in your facility. Come learn more about prevention and response when emergencies happen.
Knowing how to present to your community matters. Messages and visuals that ignite brains, create suspense, and draws your audience into your universe is what we all desire. In this session, learn how to engage audiences. Additionally, we’ll go over a few body language does and don’ts.
This presentation will provide the foundation and key considerations for new and retrofit LED sports lighting. It will focus on the field types most encountered in the municipal, K-12 and collegiate markets. We’ll walk through the steps of a retrofit project starting with understanding legacy HID systems and infrastructure. We’ll then discuss design strategies for new LED fixtures and controls. Lastly, the presentation will explore where the future of LED sports lighting is headed.
Discover how partnerships can unlock resources, expand outreach, and create transformative opportunities for young athletes with disabilities. This dynamic presentation will share inspiring success stories and innovative strategies for building adaptive sports programs that truly make a difference. You'll also explore best practices in adaptive youth sports, offering recreation professionals practical tools to launch or enhance inclusive initiatives in their communities. Whether you're an experienced professional or just beginning your journey in adaptive sports, this session will empower you to foster collaborations that champion inclusivity and impact young lives.
Come learn about different adaptive programs happening throughout the state. In this short presentation and Q&A style session discover things you can implement at your facility to serve ALL members of your community! We will also cover resources available to aide in starting and running adaptive aquatic programs!
Patron complaints can be seen as something negative, but they are actually an opportunity to get better and build loyalty. In this session will discuss the proper strategic ways to handle complaints with professionalism, empathy and efficiency.
Fresh out of trip ideas at your senior center? Ideas are exactly what we’d like to give you! This session covers essential tips and strategies for planning enjoyable for senior citizens. Specific ideas and details will be offered, allowing you to return home and plan a trip for your own center knowing some of the leg work is already done!
This course provides an overview of the city's budgeting process, including key principles, timelines, and stakeholder roles. Participants will also explore the Truth-in-Taxation process, focusing on how tax rates are determined, public transparency requirements, and their impact on city revenues.
This presentation will outline a comprehensive strategy for managing and replacing park amenities as part of a long-term asset replacement program. It will focus on the importance of maintaining sustainable, safe, and high-quality park facilities for public use. Key topics will include assessing the current condition of park amenities, prioritizing replacements based on usage and wear, budgeting for long-term maintenance, and planning for future needs. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for extending the lifespan of park assets, as well as strategies for securing funding and resources to ensure the continued enjoyment of park spaces for future generations.
Orem city transformed a shuttered elementary school and its adjacent grounds into an iconic community facility with a focus on programming, tournaments and active play. Come discuss the lessons we learned and how you can look at non-traditional spaces to expand your parks, facilities and programs.
Conversations can be hard. Knowing how to be in the conversation, hear what’s being said and have a successful outcome takes skill. A skill that can be taught. Good news, once you learn it, you’ve got it for life! Come join for an hour on a topic that changes everything – for the good!
We will discuss various techniques to train employees in preparation for youth sports programs. We will also present some ideas for staff incentives and retention.
Have you struggled to start and maintain a successful youth council? In this session you will hear from two seasoned youth council advisors who will share their experiences, resources and failures in having a successful youth council.
This session will focus mostly on turf aeration, going over how often, when to aerate, what type of aerators to use, and other pro tips. We will also briefly talk about the importance of proper soil prep for tree planting and how to correct soil compaction affecting mature trees.
Are you looking for a way to change up how you run swimming lessons? Come listen to how different facilities have adapted to changing times, needs and technology. Gather ideas of different lesson formats, organizations and styles of teaching!
Discover Andi Veenker’s proven method for hosting unforgettable fitness events that draw 200+ attendees and elevate your program. From High Fitness to Aqua Zumba, learn strategies to market, plan, and execute events that build community, boost participation, and keep people coming back for more!
This session explores the strategies and practices for fostering collaboration between senior centers and local recreation departments. It is designed for recreation professionals, and senior center coordinators who are looking to strengthen community engagement and improve services for older adults
Leading ethically requires living your core values. This session will help you identify core values, and explore how they shape your leadership and impact team culture. Through reflection and practical exercises, participants will gain insight into how values-driven leadership fosters trust, inspires teams, and aligns with organizational goals.
In a world where screentime has replaced traditional play, recreation helps youth escape screens and experience the real world. Discover how quality park design introduces healthy risk to help kids strengthen their mental and physical health, develop problem solving skills, build resilience and understand their own capabilities - all through play!
Does your organization have an unused or unappreciated amenity and you want to change that perception? Utah Lake is often viewed as the epitome of this problem; any local can list off multiple negative things they've heard about Utah Lake. Join me to discuss how to tackle this issue. We will discuss four methods, used together, that can bring new and positive attention to your amenity: Improvements, Usage, Collaboration and Education. By attending this session, you will learn how to: plan unique uses of amenities to increase use and draw attention, collaborate with partners and the public to achieve your goals and educate yourself and others in a way that improves opinions and perceptions. Come learn together how to tackle these challenges!
Ever wonder how a single professional connection can transform your approach to Parks and Recreation? In this interactive session, we’ll explore the power of impactful relationships—how they elevate projects, strengthen community ties, and foster citywide support.
The nitty gritty of creating successful programs. Learn how to create a Program Analysis for budgeting, create a Program Checklist, understand statewide data trends, and how to use these resources and your leadership skills to champion your programs.
In 2025 and 2026, Utahns will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. America250 Utah aims to partner with municipalities to create engaging opportunities to celebrate local events and everyday Americans.
Understanding how trees grow and function is essential for parks and recreation professionals tasked with maintaining healthy green spaces. This session will dive into the inner workings of trees, from nutrient transport and root systems to photosynthesis and growth cycles. Learn practical insights to help you care for these vital assets in your parks and ensure their longevity and impact on your community!
Proceeds support the URPA scholarship program! Pay for your auction items through AffiniPay: https://secure.affinipay.com/pages/utah-recreation-and-parks-association/payments?qr_used=true
Join this fast-paced Pecha Kucha (Get to the Point) session featuring multiple presenters who will each have 6 minutes and 40 seconds to highlight unique aquatic events and programs from around the state. Save your questions for the end as we follow up the presentations with a Q & A period.
Join this fast-paced Pecha Kucha (Get to the Point) session featuring multiple presenters who will each have 6 minutes and 40 seconds to highlight facility management topics from around the state. Save your questions for the end as we follow up the presentations with a Q & A period.
Join this fast-paced Pecha Kucha (Get to the Point) session featuring multiple presenters who will each have 6 minutes and 40 seconds to highlight unique senior programs and health and wellness programming ideas from around the state. Save your questions for the end as we follow up the presentations with a Q & A period.
Join this fast-paced Pecha Kucha (Get to the Point) session featuring multiple presenters who will each have 6 minutes and 40 seconds to highlight unique parks, playgrounds and facilities from around the state. Save your questions for the end as we follow up the presentations with a Q & A period.
Join this fast-paced Pecha Kucha (Get to the Point) session featuring multiple presenters who will each have 6 minutes and 40 seconds to highlight unique youth sports programs from around the state. Save your questions for the end as we follow up the presentations with a Q & A period.
Join this fast-paced Pecha Kucha (Get to the Point) session featuring multiple presenters who will each have 6 minutes and 40 seconds to highlight unique special events and city celebration programs from around the state. Save your questions for the end as we follow up the presentations with a Q & A period.
Join this fast-paced Pecha Kucha (Get to the Point) session featuring multiple presenters who will each have 6 minutes and 40 seconds to highlight different training opportunities to obtain CEU’s and other Field Maintenance training opportunities. Save your questions for the end as we follow up the presentations with a Q & A period.
