Park and Recreation System Master Planning Certificate Program
Time limit: 385 days
2.5 credits
Full course description
Program summary:
The purpose of this certificate program is to prepare park and recreation agencies to conduct a system master plan. The components can be used in several types of planning and will ultimately prepare agencies to either 1) conduct the planning process on their own, or 2) be prepared to collaborate with a contractor to facilitate the master planning process.
The Park and Recreation System Master Planning Certificate Program provides learners with skills needed to manage the expanding portfolio of public resources valued in the billions of dollars. Learners will be guided through the planning process via four e-courses corresponding to the four steps to community park planning.
This certificate covers the fundamentals of a system master plan according to the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).
Program objectives:
After completing this certificate program, learners should be able to:
- Explain the benefits of park planning.
- Understand the critical importance of public engagement efforts in master planning.
- List strategies for identifying parks and recreation needs in the community.
- Determine the best strategies for optimizing the outcomes of your system master plan.
Recommended background:
The course will be most beneficial for professionals in parks and public lands agencies, individuals who work in a non-profit setting or organization that desires to learn about community park planning.
Program format:
The Park Planning Certificate Program is entirely web-based and consists of four courses each culminating with an applied assignment that relates to your organization or a case study organization. At the end of each course, students will be assessed in two ways: (1) multiple choice quiz that addresses key concepts and (2) written response to a portfolio prompt.
- Course 1: System Master Planning Fundamentals
- Course 2: Public Engagement
- Course 3: Assessing Community Needs
- Course 4: Making Your System Master Plan a Success
The certificate program includes the following elements:
- Four self-paced, self-study e-courses
- Independent study assignments, which are reviewed by course instructors, with substantive feedback provided
- Informational text
- Interactive activities
- "Learn More" opportunities
- Engaging videos
- Supplemental reference materials
- Final assessment quizzes
These courses are self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the courses as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing the content and activities in each course module, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of all course module quizzes and assignments, you will be awarded a program certificate of completion.
Creators:
This certificate program was designed and developed by the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.