Training Alberta's Recreational Leaders

News & Resources

Spring Leisure Lines

Bridging Generations in Recreation: Inside the Spring 2026 Leisure Lines If there’s one thing the recreation industry knows, it’s that change never stands still. The Spring 2026 edition of Leisure Lines dives headfirst into one of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing our sector today: how we balance ageing infrastructure, evolving technology, and the people who keep it all running. This issue, Bridging Generations: Infrastructure, Innovation & the People Who Power It, captures a reality many operators are already experiencing. Across Alberta and beyond, facilities are aging, systems are being pushed to their limits, and experienced professionals are beginning to retire taking decades of unwritten-knowledge with them. So, what can

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You Belong Here. And You Showed Up

AARFP Conference & Trade Show What a week. The People Made ItWith over 200+ delegates in attendance, the energy was undeniable. From first-time attendees to seasoned operators, the conversations, laughter, and connections carried through every session, hallway chat, and evening event. This is what “You Belong Here” looks like. Learning That MattersAttendees took part in sessions that tackled real challenges and real solutions from technical skills and facility operations to leadership, innovation, and emerging trends. The goal was simple: send people home with ideas they can actually use. And judging by the conversations happening throughout the week, mission accomplished. A Trade Show That DeliveredThe Trade Show at Keyera Place brought

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2026 Alberta Ammonia Days

Who Should Attend? Concept Control is proud to host the 2026 Ammonia Safety Days across Alberta, in partnership with the Ammonia Safety Training Institute (ASTI) and co-sponsored by Startec. These in-person events are designed for professionals who work with or around ammonia systems and want to strengthen their understanding of safety, preparedness, and best practices. Whether you’re responsible for operations, safety, or emergency planning, Ammonia Safety Days offer valuable insight from experienced industry leaders. The sessions will be led by Scott Silva, Director of Technical Services at ASTI, who brings extensive experience in ammonia safety and industrial emergency planning. Click Here To Register Edmonton, AB April 20th 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM Edmonton

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That Rink Spa Feeling

That Rink Spa Feeling By: Adrian Thibault | Arena Stream Rep Weekly ice maintenance is a bit like giving the sheet a spa day: a trim, a scrub, and a soothing hot soak so it can face another seven days of hard stops, snow showers, and slapshots. Below is a practical, professional routine with just enough fun to make the work feel like craft, because it is. Start with the edges. They are where trouble quietly accumulates. Snow and frost kicked up by practices cling to the kick plate; the resurfacer cannot quite reach the last sliver next to the boards; operators (wisely) avoid “riding” the wall. Left alone, those

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Empowering Women in Recreation: Building Tools, Building Change

Empowering Women in Recreation: Building Tools, Building Change Women working in male-dominated areas of the recreation industry face unique challenges every day. From being the only woman on the team to navigating conflict and exclusion, the road to success often requires more than technical skills, it requires resilience, support and community. That’s why the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel (AARFP) has launched a Lean in Circle for Women in Recreation. A monthly gathering for peer mentorship, leadership development and real conversations about the challenges and triumphs women face in the field. These sessions are designed to be inclusive, confidential, judgment-free and true to RFP, fun. Each month, we explore

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Summer Leisure Lines

The Summer Edition of Leisure Lines is here, and it’s packed with fresh, inspiring, and practical reads for recreation professionals across Alberta! From insightful features like: Making Waves: Disability Awareness Training Avoiding Burnout During Our Summer Season   This issue tackles topics that matter to the people running our parks, pools, arenas, and community spaces. Whether you’re curious about what your role as a Parks and Sport Fields Operator truly means or looking to sharpen your emergency preparedness, there’s something inside for everyone working to keep recreation facilities safe, inclusive, and thriving. Why Read This Issue? Leisure Lines isn’t just a publication—it’s your go-to resource for staying ahead in recreation

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2025 Conference & Trade Show Recap

That’s a Wrap on the 2025 AARFP Conference & Trade Show! April 2025 in Canmore was one for the books! The Annual AARFP Conference & Trade Show brought together recreation professionals from across Alberta and beyond for an incredible few days of learning, networking, and industry innovation. From inspiring keynote speakers to hands-on educational sessions and an energetic trade show floor, the conference delivered on its promise to be at the peak of recreation — connecting professionals from all walks of life who share a passion for community spaces and recreation facilities. We couldn’t have made this event a success without the amazing support of our sponsors, exhibitors, and everyone

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2025 Outdoor Pool Symposium

Dive Into Professional Development at the 2025 Vulcan Outdoor Pool Symposium! May 13, 2025 Vulcan Lodge Hall 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Calling all outdoor pool operators, aquatic leaders, and recreation professionals! The 2025 Outdoor Pool Symposium in Vulcan is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be a can’t-miss event packed with valuable learning, networking, and leadership growth opportunities. Whether you’re managing a sparkling community pool or leading a team of seasonal lifeguards, this one-day event is designed to sharpen your skills, strengthen your leadership, and ensure your facility runs safely and smoothly all summer long. What’s Making Waves at the Symposium: Alberta Health Services (AHS)Presenter: Katarina

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