The PRO Academy aims to cultivate a new generation of parks and recreation professionals who are adept at managing operations, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring the sustainable stewardship of natural and recreational assets, while implementing best practices and current trends.  Mid-level professionals (e.g., facility supervisors, program coordinators, operations managers, etc.) looking to advance their careers and operational expertise are encouraged to participate. 

The PRO Academy is delivered over the course of two days providing participants 1.2 CEU (i.e., 12 contact hours pre-approved for both the Certified Park and Recreation Professional ("CPRP") and Certified Park and Recreation Executive ("CPRE") certifications) and all lessons align with CAPRA standards. 

Parks & Recreation Operations "PRO" Academy - City of San Jose

Registration for this event is now closed

April 30 - May 1, 2026

Calendar

The OUTCOMES

  • Enhanced Skills: Participants will gain practical knowledge in the critical areas of operations management.
  • Leadership Growth: Emphasis on leadership development ensures that graduates of the academy are not only effective managers but also visionary leaders within their departments.
  • Industry Recognition: Graduates will receive a certificate of completion, recognizing their specialized training in parks and recreation operations, which can bolster their career prospects, in addition to 1.2 CEU pre-approved for the CPRP and CRPE certifications.
  • Sustainable and Resilient Practices: Knowledge of sustainability initiatives will help participants incorporate sustainable and resilient practices (financial, environmental).

The HOW

This is a two-day, in-person professional development program.

Those who complete the entirety of the program are eligible to be awarded 1.2 CEU (no additional fee).

Prices: 

  • $519 CPRS members
  • $519 ORPA members
  • $519 URPA members
  • $649 non-members

Registration includes: 

The WHERE

The training will take place at the Wing behind San Jose City Hall Rotunda within meeting rooms 118-120 (200 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113).  

Parking is available in the 6th Street Parking Garage under City Hall (45 S Sixth Street, San Jose, CA 95113).  Attendees will be able to have their parking validated upon entry to the training.  

A group hotel rate has been established at Hotel de Anza (233 W Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113).  Rooms are available for $192/night (plus taxes and fees) on the nights of April 30 and May 1, 2026.  The deadline to participate in this group rate is April 15, 2026.  
Click here or use the link provided below to book your room within the group block.  Please note, you will need to modify the dates of the reservation before clicking the "view prices" button.  If you need to reference this group rate with hotel staff, please mention "CPRS Room Block".

Hotel de Anza CPRS Room Block Reservation Link: https://tinyurl.com/CPRSRoomBlock 

The LESSONS

  • What is Your Why?
    • Review the purpose and role of parks and recreation in a community. Encourage participants to view parks and recreation from a transformational vs a transactional basis. 
  • Soft Skills
    • Community Engagement and Partnerships: Effective strategies for engaging the community, identifying community needs, developing partnerships, and ensuring parks serve as inclusive spaces for all demographics.
    • Staff Management and Development: Leadership strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining staff. This includes best practices in staff scheduling, succession planning, professional development, and fostering a positive workplace culture. 
  • Program and Budgeting
    • Event and Program Logistics: Operational strategies for hosting successful recreational programs, events, and activities. Training on scheduling, permitting, marketing, resource allocation, and public safety.
    • Budgeting and Financial Operations: Budgeting, procurement, and financial management skills to ensure the fiscal sustainability of parks operations. 
  • Park/Facility Skills
    • Facilities Management: Best practices in managing park facilities, playgrounds, trails, sports complexes, and community centers. Topics include safety protocols, maintenance planning, and budgeting for facility improvements.
    • Sustainability and Conservation: Approaches to integrating sustainable practices, eco-friendly operations, and conservation techniques into parks and facilities management. Emphasis on green energy, water conservation, and natural resource preservation.
  • Admin Skills
    • Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness: Protocols for managing risk, including liability reduction, crisis management and emergency response planning.
    • Data and Technology Integration in parks and Recreation- Explore innovative ways to incorporate and technology into parks and recreation management, programming, and services to meet the evolving needs of the community. 
  • Each lesson ladders up to one or more CAPRA accreditation standard including:
    • 1.7 – Agency Relationships
    • 2.0 – Planning
    • 3.5 – Utilization of Technology
    • 4.0 – Human Resources
    • 5.0 – Financial Management
    • 5.1.4 – Private, Corporate and Non-Profit Support Procedures
    • 6.0 – Programs and Services Management
    • 7.0 – Facilities and Land Management
    • 7.8 – Environmental Sustainability Policy and Programs
    • 8.0 – Public Safety, Law Enforcement and Security

The SCHEDULE


Thursday, April 30, 2026 *
Continental breakfast and full lunch provided.
8:00 am - 8:30 am ... Registration
8:30 am - 10:00 am ... Session #1 
10:15 am - 11:45 am ... Session #2 
11:45 am - 12:30 pm ... Lunch
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm ... Session #3
2:15 pm - 3:45 pm ... Session #4

Friday, May 1, 2026 *
Continental breakfast and full lunch provided.
8:00 am - 8:30 am ... Registration
8:30 am - 10:00 am ... Session #5 
10:15 am - 11:45 am ... Session #6 
11:45 am - 12:30 pm ... Lunch
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm ... Session #7
2:15 pm - 3:45 pm ... Session #8

*Daily schedule is subject to change.

The LEADERS

Chris Nunes, CPRE; Broken Compass; Chief Operating Officer, The Woodlands Township (TX)

Janet Bartnik, CPRP, Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, Prince William County (VA)

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