Ontario Parks Association Scholarship & Bursary Awards

• Program: Agriculture or Environmental Sciences
• Study Year: 1st Year
• Province: Ontario
• Citizenship: Canadian or Permanent Resident (Canada)
• Grades (Not Required): 75 - 100%
• Financial Need (Not Required)

The OPA Foundation has made available a total of five bursary and scholarship awards in the amount of $2,500 each, they are:

"Len Stanley - King of Kew" Scholarship

Len Stanley was one of the founding members of the OPAF and had a long distinguished career in the City of Toronto park system. He became known as the "King of Kew Gardens" by his fellow colleagues after becoming the superintendent of this Toronto park, and for his ongoing leadership capacity in the OPA. Awarded to a deserving student whose home address is in one of the municipalities that make up the new amalgamated City of Toronto and meets the following criteria:

• Will pursue a career in parks design, development, maintenance or administration
• Exemplify the joy of life and concerns for one's fellow citizens
• Has a positive social outlook
• Possesses a genuine desire to preserve and protect the natural elements of their community
• Is a successful first year student in a college or university institution in Canada or the United States.

Joyce Anderson Bursary

This award was established through the generous donation made by Frank Anderson as a memorial to his loving wife Joyce. Frank was one of the founding members of the OPAF and served the OPA in many capacities throughout his distinguished career in municipal park services. The selection committee will award this bursary to a deserving student based on their academic performance and financial need.

The Beulah & Harry Christian, Margaret & Ernie Seager Bursary

These two couples, who were long time friends and great supporters of the OPAF, donated this award. Both Harry and Ernie are former Presidents of the OPA, and were awarded lifetime memberships for their dedication and many years of service to the advancement of municipal and regional park systems in Ontario. Awarded to a qualified individual based on marks, but most importantly, need and effort.

Dave Gower OPAF Bursary

Dave was a great supporter of the OPA throughout his career in the municipal park field. He was also a former President of the Association and a great advocate for the OPAF. This award was named in his honour and will be given to an individual who the Selection Committee feels is the most deserving of this bursary.

Little Tikes Commercial Bursary

This bursary was named for the above company after their generous donation of a play structure, which was auctioned off to Ontario Parks Departments. The winning bid provided sufficient funds to create this award. The Selection Committee will award this bursary to a deserving individual that meets the application criteria.

Conditions Governing an Award

Any bursary or scholarship awarded by The Ontario Parks Association Foundation is to be used towards:

• Payment of tuition fees
• The purchase of course materials (academic books and supplies)
• Residency
• Other associated educational expenses.

Ontario Parks Association (OPA), established in 1936, is a non-profit charitable organization whose focus is on Protecting Tomorrow Today®. Through our work as advocates for our parks and open spaces and the training we provide to parks professionals in Ontario, we are helping to preserve our living green infrastructure assets for future generations. OPA is a proud member of the Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition.