The third annual ROAR conference will take place September 19–22, 2016 at Calabogie Peaks Resort. The goal is to unite over one hundred employees, volunteers and community champions from rural towns and small cities to share ideas, successes and opportunities. Watch here for more information on registration, and sponsorship details.

Hands-on sessions will be led by skilled facilitators featuring topics from risk management to trail systems and current trends. This will be an excellent opportunity for rural communities to come together to learn from one another, experience new recreation opportunities and gain insight from experienced recreation professionals.

"With the rapid changes currently occurring in our society today, particularly the socio-economic challenges facing rural communities, the ROAR conference is an opportunity to collaborate, share and experience partnerships in recreation service provision that will assist rural communities in having success, now and in the future," says Kelly Williams, Manager of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Petawawa.

ROAR was developed to respond to the increasing demands facing municipal recreation departments today. From childhood obesity to chronic disease, the need to improve healthy and active lifestyles amongst our residents has increased dramatically in recent years. The goal of ROAR organizers is to bring professionals, community volunteers and champions in the parks, recreation, health and tourism fields together as a means of developing and supporting partnerships that will eventually lead towards improved healthy and active living across the entire region.