Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course 

The CPSI classroom course trains individuals to identify hazards on public playgrounds and playground equipment, how to rank those hazards according to injury potential, and how to apply that knowledge and establish a playground safety program. The course covers the material necessary to pass the Certified Playground Safety Inspector certification exam.

Individuals taking the CPSI Classroom Course will gain practical, hands-on training on how to apply the ASTM standards and the CPSC guidelines to playground environments. Upon completion of the CPSI course an individual should be capable of establishing a sound risk reduction program, establish a system of repair, retrofit, and removal of hazardous equipment and establish a routine inspection system.

Who should attend: individuals wishing to become a Certified Playground Safety Inspector, playground owner/operators, health inspectors, daycare staff, school and park maintenance personnel, risk reduction managers, manufacturers, playground installers, insurance agents, etc. 

Register now for our upcoming CPSI course on May 12-14 at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center in Cranberry, PA.

Farewell Maria

Therapeutic Recreation Institute

Submitted by Stacy Cathrall, CTRS
TRI Public Relations Committee

The TRI is quickly approaching! We have a variety of speakers presenting this year with sessions pertaining to Professional Development, Youth Development, Rehab, Mental Health, Programing, Long Term Care, Community Based Recreation, Multi-Sensory Environments, and much more.

Lynn Anderson, Ph.D., CTRS, CPRP

The TRI Pre-Conference is Tuesday, June 3rd from 9:00am-4:00pm and will be presented by Dr. Lynn Anderson. This session entitled "Therapeutic Recreation: A Strengths Approach" will define the Strengths Approach as well as the principles and theories. The Flourishing through Leisure Model: An Ecological Extension of the Leisure and Well-Being Model will be explored as a framework for strengths-based therapeutic practice. The session will review assessment tools that focus on internal and external strengths; participants will be able to identify at least eight tools that can be used to assess strengths. We will discuss the principals and practice of strengths-based planning as well as how the relationship between leisure and well-being is foundational to the strengths approach. This interactive session is worth .6 CEUs and will consist of lecture, discussion, and a PowerPoint. 

DCNR News

Story Maps-Results of Growing Greener and Keystone Funds

There are two brand new Pennsylvania map-driven tools available for use.  The PA Green Community Park Story Map shows a selection of community parks across the state that have incorporated best practices in green and sustainable design, operations and maintenance. The Featured Grant Projects Story Map shows some of the many project examples of the two most significant sources of our grant funding: Growing Greener and Keystone.

Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants Available!

Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to Pennsylvania residents. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to exiting communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalks, pedestrian safety and connectivity of transportation assets. Municipalities, councils of governments, and economic development organizations are among the eligible entities. Click here for more information. The application period closes June 20th.  

Last Chance! - Outdoor Recreation Survey Reminder 

Pennsylvanians urged to complete online outdoor recreation survey

Five years after Pennsylvania's Outdoor Recreation Plan was written, recreation interests and trends may be different. Is walking still Pennsylvanians favorite outdoor activity? Do people still want trails and on-road bike lanes? State agencies are working with experts across the state to develop the next Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (2014-18), which will help to guide future recreation investments, policies and facilities.

A new plan is required every five years in order for Pennsylvania to qualify for federal Land and Water Conservation funding. Citizen feedback is an important component to building the goals of the plan. In addition to a scientifically conducted survey earlier this year by Penn State and a survey of recreation providers currently being developed, a general online survey is now open for Pennsylvanians wanting to share their opinions about outdoor recreation. The survey is completely confidential and will just take a few minutes. To access the survey, please click here.

After feedback from all three surveys is analyzed, a draft plan will be written in late summer and will be available for review and comment on the plan's website. Feedback sessions will allow citizens, providers and interested stakeholders to give their input before a final document is presented to the National Park Service later this year. Make sure your voice is heard by taking the survey. Learn more here.   

Member Request