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Parks & Recreation Management Certificate Program

Professional Certificate in Parks and Recreation Leadership

Advance your career with the Professional Certificate in Parks and Recreation Leadership! Join PRO and Schulich Executive Education (Schulich ExecEd), for this NEW program.

About the Program

​This leadership program is a custom Schulich ExecEd Certificate Program designed for mid-to-senior level leaders in parks and recreation. It focuses on three core areas for successful leadership: Advanced Leadership, Collaborative Relationship Building and Networking, and Strategic Management.

 

The program is capped by an Action Learning Project designed to strategically apply these skills toward solving a critical challenge in the sector.

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Program content is delivered online and in-person

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Download the 2025 program brochure to learn more about the program, course content, and expectations.

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Pricing:

PRO Members: $3,775

Non-Members: $4,335

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Interested in learning more? Register for our information session on July 23, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. 

Three photo collage. 1. Worm's eye view of tree 2. Woman looking at charts on computer screen. 3. Woman kayaking on a lake.
About Schulich Executive Education (Schulich ExecEd)

Schulich ExecEd, part of the globally recognized Schulich School of Business at York University, offers cutting-edge professional development designed for leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. With a focus on practical, real-world learning, Schulich ExecEd provides a dynamic educational experience led by expert faculty from both academia and industry. Each year, thousands of professionals from diverse industries - including government, professional sports, and multinational corporations - participate in programs covering leadership, management, and specialized fields such as Municipal Leadership and Public Sector Management. As a valued partner of Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO), Schulich ExecEd equips professionals with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful impact in their communities and careers.

Logo line with the following logos, Schulic ExecEd, York University, Park and Recreation Ontario

Program Acceptance Criteria

  • What is Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO)?
    Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) is a non-profit association with over 7,000 members from across the province, including post-secondary students, municipal staff, community agencies, and independent operators. Collectively, our members provide parks and recreation services to over 85% of Ontario’s population. PRO champions the health, social, economic, and environmental benefits of parks and recreation through evidence-based practices, advocacy, and collaborative crosssectoral partnerships. Our work includes policy, research, education, training, and professional development opportunities, as well as our flagship quality standards program, HIGH FIVE®. We envision a future for Ontario where every person has equitable access to vibrant communities, sustainable environments, and personal health.
  • Who can join PRO?
    Anyone can become a PRO member! Our members come from a wide range of backgrounds including recreation, parks, fitness, sport, facilities, the environmental sector, aquatics, therapeutic recreation, camping, and arts and culture.
  • What are the membership fees?
    Membership fees vary depending on your membership category. Please refer to our Become A Member page for the latest fees.
  • Can I change my PRO membership plan?
    Yes! It’s our pleasure to change your membership plan at any time. Please reach out to pro@prontario.org for support and a member of our team will be pleased to assist you.
  • When does my PRO membership expire?
    PRO membership is valid for the calendar year. We will reach out to you in advance of expiration to ensure a smooth renewal process.
  • What is your cancellation and refund policy?
    PRO membership is non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • What does my PRO membership support?
    We offer essential support and services for parks and recreation professionals. Our work focuses on building educational pathways and mobilizing knowledge through quality assurance, education, and training programs. Additionally, we provide advocacy leadership, ensuring your voice is heard at the highest levels of government.
  • Where do I login to manage my membership?
    On our new membership platform, each organization has an account administrator who will log in to the member portal to update all the organization's membership information. Reach out to your account administrator if you need to be added to your organization's membership list. Account administrators also have access to membership invoices, payment receipts and are able to post jobs. If you'd like to become a member, contact us at prontario.org, and we'll be happy to answer all your questions.
  • Where can I access Job Mart?
    Great news - you don't need to log into the website to access all the new job postings! Job Mart is sent by email weekly directly to our members. If you're not receiving your weekly Job Mart email, please ask your account administrator to make sure you're included in your organization's member list. You may reach out to pro@prontario.org if you'd like to become a member and join the weekly Job Mart mail list. Let us know if you'd like to hear more how you can advertise your jobs with Job Mart!
  • I need help with my PRO membership. How can I contact support?
    We are here to serve you. Please reach out to pro@prontario.org for support and a member of our team will be pleased to assist you.
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