Orlando, Florida
Exhibits: September 16-17
Conference: September 16-18

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OSIs, 5K & Golf

Explore Orlando with our local host and fellow NRPA Annual Conference attendees.

 


2025 Local Host Committee (LHC) Events

Golf Tournament       

Monday, September 15 | 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Historic Dubsdread Golf Course | 549 W. Par Street, Orlando, FL 32804

Cost: $125

Join us for a fun and exciting golf tournament at the Historic Dubsdread Golf Course! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, this event is all about enjoying the game, making new friends and having a great time on the course. With friendly competitions, prizes and plenty of laughs, it’s the perfect way to spend the day outdoors during the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference.

Club rentals at the golf course will be available for an additional $45 per golfer (this fee is to be paid on-site) – please note if you need clubs when you register for the event.

This tournament will be played as a 4-person team scramble on Monday, September 15, with a 10:30 a.m. Shotgun Start. If you have a team, please let us know so that we can pair you together. If you don’t have a team, we will pair you up with other golfers to form a team. Your registration fee includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, lunch, a swag bag, a chance to win hole prizes and plenty of refreshments. You will also have an opportunity to purchase mulligan/raffle packages the day of, so be sure to bring a little spending cash!

From the first tee to the final hole, this tournament is where legends are made — be part of it! Transportation will be provided to and from the Orange County Convention Center. Lunch will be provided. For more information or questions, please email Tyrone Walker at Tyrone.Walker@CityofOrlando.net

5K Fun Run, Walk or Roll         

Thursday, September 18 | 7 – 10 a.m.

Cost $45

Get ready to score big on fun at the ultimate 5K Football Run, Walk or Roll! Florida’s passion for football takes center stage in this exciting event, where you can show off your team pride by rocking your favorite jersey. Whether you’re running for the win, walking for the challenge or strolling for the joy of it, you’re guaranteed a great time with fellow fans in a lively and spirited atmosphere. Once you cross the finish line, you can enjoy music and snacks as part of the post-race celebrations. All participants will be provided with a customized bib, a race t-shirt* and a 2025 NRPA 5K finisher medal. Don’t miss out — grab your sneakers, rep your team and let’s have some fun!

*Please note that your t-shirt size will be required at the time of registration.

 

2025 Off-Site Institutes (OSIs)

OSI #1: Fishin’, Golfin’ and Nature Walkin’ at Lake Lorna Doone Park

Monday, September 15 | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost: Member – $100 / Nonmember – $120

Join us for a fun-filled morning at the City of Orlando’s Lake Lorna Doone Park, where we’ll embrace the great outdoors through fishing, golfing, and urban nature walking! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or want to try something new, this tour is perfect! We’ll kick off our adventure with a guided nature walk, soaking in the park’s beauty and learning about the local flora and fauna. Our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights that deepen your appreciation for nature. Next, we’ll dive into fishing safety, covering essential tips for beginners and skill improvement for others. And of course, we can’t forget about golf! You’ll learn the fundamentals of this beloved sport in a fun and relaxed environment. Wear your Florida-friendly outdoor clothing, comfortable closed toe shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bug repellent is always a good idea to bring, as well as a refillable water bottle. Get ready for a day of laughter, learning, and outdoor fun.

0.1 CEU

 

OSI #2: Take a Ride on the Wild Side at Wild Florida!

Monday, September 15 | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: Member – $175 / Nonmember – $195

Take a thrilling ride on an airboat through the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades, all while learning about the significance of this unique ecosystem. Participants will have the chance to interact with both native and exotic animals and how the Wild Florida team curates and cares for them in their one-of-a-kind facility, which is also one of Central Florida’s most unique attractions and event spaces. The group will also participate in engaging activities that will empower them to overcome challenges and foster better communication.

How to prepare: Wear your Florida-friendly outdoor clothing, comfortable closed toe shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Hats are encouraged, but please be aware that while riding the airboat, they will have to be secured. Bug repellent is always a good idea to bring, as well as a refillable water bottle. Make sure your battery is fully charged for this tour because there will be several once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.

0.2 CEU

 

OSI #3: Paddle and Hike Through Time at Central Florida’s Wekiwa Springs State Park    

Monday, September 15 | 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: Member – $155 / Nonmember – $175

Find out what it means when people say “Welcome to Old Florida” at Wekiwa Springs State Park, which is Orange County’s longest-running natural tourist attraction. Whether you choose a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard (SUP), you will experience the wild side of some of the most beautiful natural springs in Central Florida through this 2-hour guided water tour. These clear, freshwater rivers traverse through two of Florida’s state parks in bear and alligator habitats. The 1-hour land tour includes a guided hike through a variety of local ecosystems where you will learn about the park’s unique characteristics and management strategies, while encountering some of Florida’s distinct flora and fauna that call this park home.

0.2 CEU

 

OSI #4: Buzzing with Sustainability: Immersive Beekeeping and Hydroponic Farming         

Monday, September 15 | 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost: Member – $100 / Nonmember – $120

Join us for an immersive, hands-on adventure in the world of sustainable agriculture! Participants will get up close and personal with bees, diving into the fascinating world of apiary management, honey harvesting, and hydroponic farming. Participants will learn how to adapt these practices into engaging and educational programs, fostering curiosity about urban agriculture, environmental sustainability, and pollinator conservation.

Participants will suit up for hive inspections, experience a private tasting of our delicious honey products, tour pollinator-friendly gardens, and explore our hydroponic shipping container garden. We will provide all the necessary protective gear (including bee suits) so you can fully immerse yourself in the beekeeping experience. Wear casual clothes and comfy sneakers for this buzzing adventure!

0.1 CEU

 

OSI #5: Creating Inclusive & Accessible Experiences with the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Monday, September 15 | 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Member – $100 / Nonmember – $120

Discover how accessibility and world-class design converge at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This exclusive tour highlights their commitment to “Arts for Every Life,” focusing on inclusive experiences for all. Learn about ADA compliance, universal design principles, and strategies for creating barrier-free engagement. Explore renowned venues like The Walt Disney Theater, offering acoustic perfection for 2,700 attendees, and Steinmetz Hall, featuring cutting-edge design and accessibility. Gain insights into resources that ensure quality experiences for everyone, and see how these standards can elevate inclusivity in your own parks, recreation programs, and public spaces.

0.1 CEU

 

OSI #6: Growing Trails and Ecotourism in West Orange County          

Monday, September 15 | 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: Member – $135 / Nonmember – $155

The 34-mile West Orange Trail, part of Florida’s Rails-to-Trails program, connects small communities and urban neighborhoods, reflecting the region’s past and present. Soon to join the 250-mile Coast to Coast Connector Trail, the route passes through historic communities shaped by the Orange Belt Railway and Lake Apopka. The half-mile tour begins at Winter Garden Station with a discussion on trail development by Orange County planners. The tour continues as we stroll through Downtown Winter Garden, stopping at the Healthy West Orange Heritage and Cultural Center, where a museum curator will join us and share the history, revitalization and preservation of the area. After lunch, the tour will then continue via shuttle to Orange County’s Magnolia Park and new Eco-Education Center. We will discover the history and restoration practices of Lake Apopka and how the facility plays an important role in educating the public on the importance of environmental conservation.

0.2 CEU

OSI #7: Bringing History Alive! at the Orange County Regional History Center

Monday, September 15 | 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost: Member – $100 / Nonmember – $120

How do you bring a historic building to life while preserving it? Join us at the Orange County Regional History Center to find out! Explore behind the scenes of community-centered exhibits, take part in hands-on activities that engage visitors, and learn the tricky balancing act of housing a museum in the historic 1927 courthouse.

Dress in comfortable shoes since we’ll be walking through 14,000 years of Florida History! The museum can also be chilly, so you may want to bring a light jacket.

0.1 CEU

 

OSI #8: Echoes of the Past, Sustainability for the Future: A Tour of Greenwood Cemetery & Urban Wetlands        

Monday, September 15 | 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost: Member – $100 / Nonmember – $120

Delve into Orlando’s rich history and commitment to environmental sustainability with an immersive tour of Greenwood Cemetery and the adjacent Greenwood Urban Wetlands. Established in the 1880s, Greenwood Cemetery serves as the final resting place for over 40,000 Central Florida residents, including many prominent figures who shaped the region’s development. The cemetery’s evolution reflects Orlando’s growth, societal changes, and the community’s dedication to preserving its heritage.

Adjacent to the cemetery lies the Greenwood Urban Wetlands, a 19-acre nature park established in 1991. This serene green space not only offers scenic beauty but also plays a vital role in promoting sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives within the urban landscape.

Participants will explore the intertwining narratives of these sites, understanding how historical preservation and environmental stewardship can coexist and enhance community well-being.

0.1 CEU

 

OSI #9: From Clay to Community: Building a Thriving Pottery Studio in Orlando

Monday, September 15 | 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cost: Member – $130 / Nonmember – $150

Join us for an unforgettable day at the City of Orlando’s Pottery Studio, Central Florida’s premier destination for all things ceramic! This experience includes:

  • Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Explore the inner workings of our state-of-the-art studio, from the busy production areas to the relaxing classroom workspaces.
  • The Art of Studio Management: Discover the secrets behind running a successful pottery studio, from technical aspects to fostering a vibrant community.
  • Expert Q&A: Engage in a lively discussion with one of our resident potters, gaining valuable insight into the art of ceramics.
  • Exploring Ceramic Techniques: Learn about the diverse approaches to ceramic art, from wheel throwing to hand-building.
  • Hands on creating: Unleash your creativity by hand painting and glazing a pre-made piece of pottery. (ready by the end of the week!)

Bring your creativity and dress casual. You will not get dirty during this experience.

0.1 CEU

 

OSI #10: Up-Close Encounters at Gatorland!

Monday, September 15 | 9:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m.

Cost: Member – $175 / Nonmember – $195

Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park combining Old Florida Charm with exciting experiences, animal exhibits and entertainment. Venture into the Alligator Breeding Marsh for this behind-the-scenes tour you’ll never forget. Home to hundreds of alligators, you’ll have the opportunity to safely stand within a few feet of hungry, giant alligators while learning about the habitat, health and human impact on these magnificent creatures. The excitement continues when you board a 12-foot-high custom-made, off-road monster vehicle for a rugged adventure like no other, where you will ride through a true Florida swamp learning about this southern ecosystem. The final piece of this tour will have you soaring 350 feet through the air on a unique, fully accessible zip line above the Alligator Breeding Marsh.

0.2 CEU

 

OSI #11: Space Coast Bioluminescence Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour

Monday, September 15 | 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Cost: Member – $150 / Nonmember – $170

Discover the magic of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in bioluminescent waters! This is a night paddle on the Space Coast, one of the few places on earth this occurs, where you will be amazed as every movement of water created by you, your paddle craft, and sea creatures produce a stunning fluorescent glow. Jumping fish look like underwater fireworks and your splashing paddle is like neon paint splatter. The beautiful trail of light is created by tiny natural organisms called dinoflagellates that thrive during the warmest summer months, making this adventure incredibly unique, captivating, and will leave you buzzing for days!

SUP Skill Level: Intermediate. Previous stand-up paddle boarding experience is required, as beginner instruction will not be offered. Must be able to swim.

Insect repellent, sunscreen, swim shirt and water shoes are recommended.

0.1 CEU