About Chris Nelson

 

Master of Science, Leisure Studies & Sport Development
Bachelor of Arts (Honors) Recreation & Parks Administration
Minor degrees in City & Urban Planning, Sociology and Physical Education

 

National Recreation & Parks Association - Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP)

Designed and initiated the first Regional District parks & recreation delivery system in British Columbia

30 years hands on experience in municipal parks & recreation system as Parks & Recreation Department Director for Regional District of North Okanagan

Coordinator (Volunteer Position) - Leisure Development Course, a three year professional development credit-granting certificate program unique to Canada  [for information see Leisure Development Course below or go to the Leisure Development Course page for details on the 2023 program]

Business Development Manager - Accent Refrigeration Systems.  Accent Refrigeration Systems is recognized as the leader in the design, construction and installation of energy efficient refrigeration systems.  As Business Development Manager the position focused on the development of active learning and training workshops for owners and operators of recreation facilities conducted throughout North America. 

Project Manager - Recreation Facilities Association of B.C. 2008 - 2011. Responsible for editing and production of quarterly magazine Facility to Facility, bi-montly member communiques Always In Season, assisting in the development of association training programs, responding to member and associate requests, developing education component for annual conference, procurement of support funding.

Term Instructor - Centre for Sport & Exercise Education, Camosun College, Victoria. Winter Semester 2020. Responsible for guiding the students through the various aspects of sport/recreation facility development, operations and maintenance, whole building design, programming, and risk management.

Board & Volunteer  (*Indicates former membership)

  • Langara College Recreation Program Advisory Committee*
  • Canada West Sports Training Society Executive (National Altitude Training Centre, Silver Star Mountain)
  • Co-founder & former Chair Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame*
  • Premier's Advisory Council for Sports & Recreation*
  • Kidsport Victoria & Okanagan*
  • Community School Councils of B.C.*
  • Victoria Sr. Slo-pitch Day League - Principal Director
  • Retreads Hockey Group (Greater Victoria) - Chief Coordinator
Professional Membership:
  • National Parks & Recreation Association (Certified Park & Recreation Professional)
  • Canadian Parks & Recreation Association
  • British Columbia Recreation & Parks Association
  • Recreation Facilities Association of B.C. 
  • Canadian Coaching Association 
Achievements:
  • Canadian Parks & Recreation Association - Award of Merit
  • British Columbia Recreation & Parks Association - Citation of Outstanding Achievement
  • Recreation Facilities Association of B.C. - Presidents Award
  • Recreation Facilities Association of B.C. - Award of Merit
  • Recreation Facilities Association of B.C. - Lifetime Membership 
ARTICLES:
BCRPA - Recreation & Parks BC Magazine
  • "Creating Benefits to our Community Environment"
  • "Championing the Call"
  • "Covering Our Assets"
  • "Accepting the Challenge"
  • "Creating Community Character"
  • "Maintaining Our Balance"
  • "Selecting Your Shade of Green"
Leisure Development Course