C. Sparks Consulting

Recognized Nationally

CPRA President’s Award of Distinction

I’m honoured to receive the 2023 Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) President’s Award of Distinction, recognizing long-term commitment and outstanding contributions to recreation in Canada.

For years, I’ve worked alongside passionate leaders across the North, helping build capacity through programs like the Recreation North Training Program — designed to meet the unique needs of northern communities. My focus has always been on creating spaces where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to lead with confidence.

Facilitation is at the heart of what I do. Whether guiding virtual training sessions or mentoring recreation professionals, I strive to spark meaningful conversations and practical learning that ripple out into communities. I believe recreation is more than programs — it’s a powerful tool for connection, healing, and cultural growth.

Government of Yukon annual community recreation leadership award

In October, I was very honored to be presented with the Government of Yukon’s annual community recreation leadership award. This award recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to community recreation in the Yukon.

I believe that community recreation happens when we work together. I have been so fortunate to work with many amazing people, organizations and communities across the Yukon and the North for more than 30 years. The work I have done wouldn’t have been possible without people with a passion for recreation and a belief in the benefits that recreation can have in their communities.

Lessons learned about using technology for training in the North

At the beginning of March, I was honoured to have the opportunity to share nationally a little bit about the Recreation North Training Program. Technology for Training: Lessons from rural, remote and Northern communities was part of a ReImagine RREC workshop.

ReImagine RREC – Renew, Retool, Engage and Contribute – is a national COVID-19 recovery initiative for parks, recreation and community sport leaders delivered by the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA). It is intended to help leaders working in parks, recreation and community sport to improve planning, operations and delivery of programs and services in a pandemic and post-pandemic environment, as well as to contribute to community recovery more broadly. Technology: The New Frontier in Recreation and Community Sport was the last of five interactive workshops.

People are the added value in Recreation North’s Training Program

As Recreation North’s Learning Consultant and Lead Trainer, I am amazed at what I have learned about our the diversity across our country. Recreation is a uniquely personal experience – not only for individuals, families and neighbourhoods, but also for communities and regions.

Wendy Giesbrecht of Boissevain, MB participated in a provincial pilot of the Recreation North Training Program and then carried on to earn her certificate in recreation leadership. In the blog, Taught me why recreation is essential, Wendy explains how the training program helped her develop the skills for her new position in Killarney.

Networking on The Bench

Congratulations to CPRA on launching The Bench. The opportunity to connect across the field of recreation is more important than ever. The Bench lets us put our heads together and come up with innovative strategies in these challenging times.