Langara College introduces a first-of-its-kind microcredential to train municipal recreation staff for leadership roles. The program blends academic theory with real-world application and supports community well-being and social equity.

In response to a growing need for leadership development among municipal recreation professionals, Langara College has introduced Foundations to Innovations in Community Recreation.

Developed in collaboration with municipal employers and industry leaders, this microcredential program is the first of its kind in British Columbia and aims to support frontline staff stepping into supervisory and management roles.

Yue-Ching Cheng, Department Chair of the Department of Recreation Studies, shares more about this new microcredential that blends academic theory with real-world application to support those who are shaping the future of public recreation services.

Meeting the evolving needs of communities.

Unlike commercial recreation enterprises, public recreation plays a key role in enhancing community well-being, promoting healthy lifestyles, and addressing complex societal challenges such as social isolation, homelessness, and climate change.

"Professionals working in municipal recreation are providing a public good to their communities," says Cheng. "In today's ever evolving landscape, it is essential for recreation professionals to possess a foundational understanding of the theoretical underpinnings that inform their practice."

The program helps participants see recreation services through a broader lens, not only as day-to-day operations, but as essential infrastructure for well-being and equity.

"The program will help them unleash the full potential of recreation services in promoting healthy living, building community resiliency, and creating social capital."

A flexible, employer-supported program.

Foundations to Innovations in Community Recreation consists of three one-credit courses: Essential Elements of Leisure and Recreation (RECR 1000), Contemporary Issues and Trends in Community Recreation (RECR 1001), and Integrative Praxis in Community Recreation (RECR 1002). The capstone course will also allow learners to apply their new skills to a real-world organizational challenge, fostering experiential learning in their own work environments.

What makes the program unique is its delivery model: courses are held directly at selected community centres and tailored to fit operational needs. This employer-sponsored format ensures that staff can participate without disrupting core services.

We offer training at a community centre of the employer's choosing, with flexible scheduling may it be weekly, biweekly, or any other customized formats. Courses can be run concurrently or sequentially, depending on what works best for the team; and employers can choose to offer one, two, or all three courses to their staff.
- Yue-Ching Cheng, Department Chair, Department of Recreation Studies

Empowering the next generation of change-makers.

The program is ideal for current or aspiring supervisors, programmers, or coordinators in community recreation. Participants may come from diverse backgrounds such as health, sports, arts, or education, but share a common passion for building more livable, inclusive communities through public recreation.

"The ideal candidate is interested in making their community a more livable and vibrant place through recreation services. Someone who understands the power of the arts, sports, and healthy living in increasing the quality of life."

Participants can gain essential knowledge in strategic planning, inclusive program design, stakeholder engagement, and service evaluation. They also explore how public recreation can play a role in addressing pressing social issues, such as aging populations, homelessness, youth disengagement, and emergency preparedness.

Shaping the future of recreation education.

This new offering reinforces Langara's commitment to accessible, career-connected learning that meets both student and employer needs. It also highlights the College's responsiveness to sector-wide challenges, such as staff recruitment, retention, and succession planning.

As public recreation continues to evolve, more specialized education will be needed to support its growing responsibilities. Langara is already looking ahead to future programming that will support other critical areas in the sector, including before- and after-school care.

"I'm excited about this micro credential because it's a new way Langara is meeting the needs of the community," says Cheng. "It's a new way in recognizing how learning and training can be delivered, blending the best of both worlds in Regular and Continuing Studies."

His advice for prospective applicants? "Understanding the role public recreation plays in the community can help you be more impactful in your work. It's more than just business or profit vs. loss; it's about building better communities. This program will give you the foundational knowledge to deliver services that truly make a difference."

Ready to grow your career in municipal recreation?

Foundations to Innovations in Community Recreation is an employer-sponsored program. Speak with your HR department or contact Langara's Recreation Studies Department to learn more.