Recreational Facility Management Certificate – in Collaboration with the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel (AARFP)
About the Recreational Facility Management Certificate
The Recreation Facility Management Certificate program, in partnership with the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel (AARFP), delivers technical and management skills specific to the recreation industry to aspiring supervisors and managers and those with less than five years of experience in a management role.
To ensure that you are fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, we require that you complete RDP's Management Skills for Supervisors Certification (MSFS) program before enrolling. This program will provide you with the theory and skills required to excel in a higher supervisory or management role, while the AARFP technical training for facility operations will give you a deep understanding of recreational facility operations. A seamless fit for managerial success.
After completing this certificate, you can identify your management style, skillfully navigate difficult situations, and create efficiencies that will benefit your customers, team, and ultimately, your organization's success. We can't wait to see you succeed!
Once you have completed the Management Skills for Supervisors Certification, you can register through AARFP in the course stream highlighted below to complete your Recreation Facility Management Certificate.
Program Content
Course Descriptions
Arena Operator Level 1 | $467.25 + GST via AARFP
This course consists of both classroom instruction and practical sessions, regarding the making, marking, painting and maintenance of artificial ice surfaces. Students will also be introduced to basic refrigeration theory. Participants are encouraged to bring warm clothing as time will be spent on the ice surface. AARFP also recommends students wear a CSA approved hockey helmet for on-ice components. Successful candidates will receive the Arena Operator Level 1 Certificate.
Parks and Sports Fields Level 1 | $467.25 + GST via AARFP
This two-day long course will enable the participants to be involved with hands-on and in-class components. It will focus on parks and sport fields, grass types and turf management, irrigation, ball diamond construction, ball diamond specialty maintenance, weed and pest control. Community gardens, equipment maintenance, public relations and safety will also be reviewed. AARFP suggests that students wear suitable, outdoor clothing, as time will be spent outdoors measuring and marking out ball diamonds along with other facility tours. Successful candidates will receive a Parks and Sport Fields Operator Level 1 Certificate.
Building Maintenance Level 1| $467.25 + GST via AARFP
This two-day course covers these areas of facility operation; preventive maintenance, life cycle planning, thermodynamics, HVAC / boiler operation and mechanical maintenance, basic carpentry, painting, basic electricity, plumbing, and facility safety. Participants will receive the Building Maintenance Level 1 Certificate.
Swimming Pool Operator Level 1| $467.25 + GST via AARFP (course available both in-class and online)
This workshop provides a rigorous in-class and hands-on experience for those involved in swimming pool operations. Topics include water circulation/filtration, basic chlorine and saltwater chemistry, water balance, pool diseases and water testing. This course has been updated to meet Alberta Health and Wellness Standards. Participants should also bring a calculator for class and exam. Successful candidates will receive the Swimming Pool Operator Level 1 Certificate.
Related Careers
A wide range of career paths are available to graduates of this program, including managing recreation facilities such as:
Sports Centre Director
Recreation Centre Manager
Arena Supervisor
Fitness Centre Operator
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Admission Requirements
Learners must complete the Management Skills for Certification program before enrolling in this program.
Program Cost
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
Students in the Recreation Facility Management program are required to complete all four Level 1 courses through AARFP.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for graduation, students must successfully complete RDP's Management Skills for Supervisors program along with all four AARFP's Level 1 courses.
Course Requirements
Prospective learners must complete the Management Skills for Supervisors Program prior to enrolling in this program.