NDRPA Education Opportunities

NDRPA Partner Webinar Series (FRPA)

NDRPA is partnering with the Florida Recreation and Park Association to host another Partner Webinar Series, focusing on a variety of topics important to parks and recreation organizations, municipal leadership, public works departments, and other recreation and park affiliates. Each webinar is worth 0.1 CEUs.

Registration is required and the deadline to register is one week prior to each scheduled webinar. The cost to attend is $20 for each webinar for NDRPA members and $25 for nonmembers. Register today!

NDRPA Skills Development Webinar Series (IRPA)

NDRPA is partnering with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association to host a Skills Development Webinar Series and CPRP/CPRE Exam Prep course.

The Skills Development Webinar Series that provides park and recreation, conservation and forest preserve district professionals with access to monthly professional development opportunities from the comfort of their home or office. Gain access to 11 webinars, one per month February through December, that showcase nationally-known speakers and industry leaders. This unique program is designed to meet the needs of park and recreation professionals by providing subscribers with the option to participate in live webinars or access on-demand recordings. Session are held at noon on selected Wednesdays or Thursdays.

CPRP and CPRE Virtual Exams Preparation Program

Registration for IPRA’s CPRE & CPRP Virtual Exam Prep Courses (Fall – Series B) is now open. NRPA’s Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certification establishes a national standard for managerial, administrative, and executive park and recreation professionals. Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is a national certification program through NRPA, and is designed for park and recreation professionals that wish to put their career on the path to success. Please see the respective event/registration links below.

The 2026 Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exam preparation programs are Sept. 10-Oct. 22, 2026, and include six classes plus an optional practice exam. Study guides can be purchased from the NPRA. The deadline to register for the fall session is Sept. 2.

NDRPA members may register with a discount code to save $20 on course registration. Contact NDRPA for the discount code.

CPRP Exam Prep Program Flyer

The Maintenance Institute (PRPS)

NDRPA is partnering with the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society to provide members access to The Maintenance Institute. The Maintenance Institute is a community of maintenance professionals, focused on advancing the capacity of parks and recreation organizations, municipal leadership, public works departments, and other public land stewards. The organization collects the latest tools, techniques and strategies across industries to provide efficient maintenance and operational procedures. Winter/spring training schedule.

NDRPA members who sign up for the $75 annual subscription receive discounted registration for all Maintenance Institute events and training sessions and access to valuable resources that provide information on the latest maintenance techniques and safety standards for pools, playgrounds, facilities, parks, and open spaces. Register here!

Cohort/Peer Mentor Program

NDRPA’s cohort/peer mentor program connects park and recreation professionals across the state to share resources and knowledge. The program has a two-method approach:

Info-share workshop
NDRPA members are invited to host info-share workshops as part of the NDRPA Cohort/Peer Mentor Program. The info-share workshops are an opportunity for park and recreation professionals to share their expertise on a specific topic and encourage peer-to-peer learning.

Connect Through NDRPA Cohorts
If members are interested in connecting with their peers from across the state, please email the cohort lead directly to be added to the participation list. Below is the list of cohorts along with the lead contact emails.

If your park district is interested in hosting a future info-share workshop or you’re interested in participating in a cohort, please contact NDRPA at 701-355-4458.

NRPA Learning Opportunities

NRPA Webinars

NRPA offers a broad range of programming to help members stay up-to-date on conservation, health and wellness, and social equity. Brought to you by NRPA and subject matter experts in the field.