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What We Do

Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) is an all-inclusive, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people of Ontario.  PRO fulfills this mandate by collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders to influence decisions and policies that support the benefits of recreation through information, advocacy, and the research and development of innovative and relevant products and services.

PRO'S VISION

Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) is recognized as the expert on the values and importance of leisure to people and communities in Ontario.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

POSITIONING THE IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS OF RECREATION AND PARKS

Parks and Recreation Ontario works with members and stakeholders to strengthen the sector by positioning the importance and benefits of recreation and parks with decision makers at the local and provincial level.

PRO achieves this by engaging in research and policy development and through ongoing collaboration with social services, health, education and other allied sectors.  Our ability to positively influence legislation and increase funding for recreation and parks is strengthened through these partnerships and collaborations. PRO is actively involved in several important policy areas including: Access to Recreation for Low-Income Families, Supporting Volunteers, Youth Development, Reconnecting Children and Families with Nature, Municipal Performance Measures and Infrastructure Renewal.

ENHANCING THE POSITION OF RECREATION AND PARKS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

PRO supports communities by providing tools and resources that enhance the position of local recreation and parks. Through strong strategic partnerships, PRO has created a network of allied organizations that support the common goal of improving quality of life for all Ontarians. 

PRO engages communities through physical activity campaigns such as June is Recreation and Parks Month.  In addition, PRO provides leadership in youth engagement through Play Works, a provincial collaborative of nine organizations that have joined forces to bring back the power of play to Ontario’s youth. 

INCREASING THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE OF PROFESSIONALS AND VOLUNTEERS

Annually, over 6,000 individuals attend PRO education and training events.  Responding to the needs of members and sectoral stakeholders, PRO offers a diverse selection of workshops and training events including an annual Educational Forum, Aquatics Conference and aquatic training events, Training for Youth Development Workers, Risk Management Seminars and Volunteer Training Workshops.

PRO’s COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

Parks and Recreation Ontario supports the development of standards that enhance quality programming and equitable access to recreation for all Ontarians.  A vital part of quality is measuring performance.   PRO has worked to equip the sector with the tools and resources necessary to ensure quality and high performance.

HIGH FIVE^®

Founded in 2001 by Parks and Recreation Ontario, HIGH FIVE^® is a quality standard for children’s sport and recreation.  HIGH FIVE^® is committed to assisting children along the path of healthy child development by:

• ensuring that recreation and sport practitioners develop a high level of knowledge and expertise in child development;
• helping parents to make informed choices;
• and providing practitioners with the tools for enhancing and maintaining a high level of program quality.

Municipal Performance Measurement Program

PRO is a lead partner in developing new measures for parks and recreation and offering regional workshops to assist with the changing demands in the sector.

Play Works Youth Friendly Community Recognition Program

The 16 criteria for Youth Friendly Communities have become a benchmark for excellence in youth engagement.  Communities strive for Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Community Builder designation, encouraging and challenging leaders and youth to work together for stronger communities.

To become a member of PRO, please visit our Membership section.