Recreation and Leisure Services
Pursue a career supporting healthy communities.
- High demand for qualified graduates looking for careers and jobs in this field
- Students have the opportunity to work with various community partners to develop, promote and coordinate recreation programs and ideas for recreation
- Students will complete industry related certifications in the program i.e. High Five Quest, and Principles of Healthy Aging
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
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Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The two-year Recreation and Leisure Services Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to pursue a career programming in recreation facilities, parks and the community by promoting and advocating the benefits of active, healthy living through positive recreation and leisure activities.
Experience the fun, exciting and growing recreation and leisure services field. As a student, you complete more than 300 hours of valuable field placement, which provides on-the-job training and experience in the industry....(read more)
Overview
Pursue a career supporting healthy communities.
The two-year Recreation and Leisure Services Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to pursue a career programming in recreation facilities, parks and the community by promoting and advocating the benefits of active, healthy living through positive recreation and leisure activities.
Experience the fun, exciting and growing recreation and leisure services field. As a student, you complete more than 300 hours of valuable field placement, which provides on-the-job training and experience in the industry.
Upon graduation, you may find work in a variety of roles. These can include work in not-for-profit and commercial, private or government environments, such as:
- municipal recreation departments
- senior centres
- retirement communities
- long-term care facilities
- arts and cultural facilities
- tourism associations
- national and provincial parks
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are passionate about working in a community environment with a focus on helping people explore their leisure interests.
- Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the sports and leisure service industry.
- Are intrigued by planning, designing and implementing recreation programs and special events for a variety of people.
- Enjoy leading others in leisure activities that foster camaraderie and personal well-being.
- Are outgoing and inspirational.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813S
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RCR0015
Course Name:
Leadership and Group Dynamics I
Course Description:
Leadership and teamwork are essential skills in the Recreation and Leisure industry. Students develop team building skills and apply leaders... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RCR0025
Course Name:
Recreation and the Environment
Course Description:
The effects of recreation on the environment and the effects of the environment on recreational opportunities are inevitable. Students are e... + Read More
Hours:
14.0
Code:
RCR1302
Course Name:
Program Development I
Course Description:
Program development is a core aspect of practice for recreation professionals. Students are provided with a hands-on and interactive learnin... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RCR1303
Course Name:
Introduction to Fieldwork
Course Description:
The ability to understand one's professional roles and responsibilities in the workplace is foundational to success. Students explore field ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RCR1411
Course Name:
Recreation and Human Development
Course Description:
Students are introduced to the fundamental principles of development across the lifespan focusing on physical, cognitive, social and emotion... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RCR1448
Course Name:
Fitness in Recreation
Course Description:
Concepts of fitness, health, wellness and lifestyle management are fundamental aspects of fitness in recreation. Students explore these key ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RCR1478
Course Name:
Introduction to Recreation
Course Description:
Recreation and leisure time activities provide opportunities for friendships, purpose and meaning. Recreation activities also contribute to ... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
ENL1832C
Course Name:
Report Writing for Recreation
Course Description:
Clear, concise and accurate reporting skills are essential for effective and efficient record keeping and project planning. Students work in... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RCR0005
Course Name:
Risk Management and Legal Issues
Course Description:
Recreation professionals have a significant role to play with participant safety and accessibility practices related to recreation and welln... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RCR1304P
Course Name:
Field Placement I
Course Description:
Field placement experiences support the integration of theory and professional expectations in recreation and leisure programs. Students pra... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RCR1305S
Course Name:
Field Placement Seminar I
Course Description:
Students explore the professional role of the recreation profession within the community. Students develop basic skills in networking, docum... + Read More
Hours:
10.0
Code:
RCR1307
Course Name:
Technology in Recreation
Course Description:
Program management and trends in technology are essential skills in today's workplace. Students are provided an opportunity to apply sport a... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
RCR1353
Course Name:
Program Development II: Inclusive Recreation
Course Description:
Ensuring recreation and leisure programs and activities are accessible to everyone is essential to this profession. Students are introduced ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RCR1364
Course Name:
Leadership and Group Dynamics II
Course Description:
Effective communication, motivation, conflict resolution and negotiation are essential skills in leadership and the management of group dyna... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RCR1409
Course Name:
Sociology of Leisure
Course Description:
Community indicators and the social determinants of health influence the challenges that many communities face on a daily basis. Students as... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RCR1444
Course Name:
Financial Management
Course Description:
Financial management remains an essential skill sought by employers. Using a practical approach, students examine budget creation and interp... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RCR0036
Course Name:
Community Development
Course Description:
Recreation professionals facilitate the growth of healthy communities by mobilizing citizens through the recreation and leisure services pro... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
RCR1306S
Course Name:
Field Placement Seminar II: Career Planning
Course Description:
Building on previous field preparation work, students acquire a deeper awareness of the role of the recreation professional. Students develo... + Read More
Hours:
10.0
Code:
RCR1317
Course Name:
Program Development III: Trends in Recreation
Course Description:
Trends are a significant factor in the field of recreation and leisure services. Community needs assessment skills, including collection of ... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
RCR1345
Course Name:
Therapeutic Recreation: Older Adults
Course Description:
The demographics are changing in Canada as a result of an aging population. Students are introduced to the changing scene in recreation with... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
RCR1391
Course Name:
Program Administration
Course Description:
Program management and trends in technology are essential skills in today's workplace. Students are provided with an opportunity to apply sp... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
RCR1424
Course Name:
Marketing
Course Description:
Knowledge of marketing concepts and strategies are essential in promoting recreation and leisure services. Through the use of technology, in... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
RCR1449P
Course Name:
Field Placement II
Course Description:
Students continue to integrate theory and professional expectations within their chosen field placement. Students further explore their area... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
GED0422
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
RCR1418
Course Name:
Ethics and Values in Recreation
Course Description:
Making the right decision is sometimes difficult to do. Ethical dilemmas arise when there is more than one way to resolve an issue. Students... + Read More
Hours:
18.0
Code:
RCR1419
Course Name:
Therapeutic Recreation
Course Description:
The Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Standards of Practice are examined in more depth and hands-on application is provided. Students enhance t... + Read More
Hours:
18.0
Code:
RCR1421
Course Name:
Entrepreneurship
Course Description:
In a rapidly changing world, it is important to recognize the role, skills and characteristics associated with entrepreneurship. Students bu... + Read More
Hours:
27.0
Code:
RCR1422S
Course Name:
Field Placement Seminar III
Course Description:
Students continue to develop as emerging recreation professionals with the extension of the learning opportunities that integrate theory and... + Read More
Hours:
10.0
Code:
RCR1452P
Course Name:
Field Placement III
Course Description:
Students continue to focus on advanced skills in areas such as communication, programming and administration while consolidating knowledge a... + Read More
Hours:
175.0
Code:
RCR1455
Course Name:
Special Events
Course Description:
All events are unique in that they are organized with the benefits of the individual or community group in mind. Events may be in the form o... + Read More
Hours:
27.0
Code:
RCR1456
Course Name:
Facilities Management
Course Description:
Students are introduced to facility management practices with a key focus on site visits to recreation facilities and a Long-Term Care facil... + Read More
Hours:
18.0
Code:
GED0156
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following four theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as recreation programmers, event planners and program coordinators in municipal recreation departments, volunteer and community agencies, social service agencies, hospitals, therapeutic recreation agencies, retirement or long-term care facilities, resorts and tourism areas.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop, implement and evaluate inclusive recreation, leisure and wellness programs and events for individuals, groups and communities which respond to assessed needs, interests, abilities and that use available resources and incorporate best practices.
- Apply administrative and customer service skills to support the delivery of recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
- Analyze, develop and implement marketing strategies to reach diverse individuals, groups and communities for programs, events, services and facilities using current communication technologies.
- Contribute to the development of fiscally sustainable and responsible recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services using current and relevant principles and practices of business, finance and social entrepreneurship.
- Supervise, lead and support the development of staff and volunteers involved with recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
- Apply safety and accessibility practices to the efficient operation and administration of recreation and leisure facilities and settings.
- Promote the benefits and values of recreation, leisure and healthy active living and recommend inclusive programs, events and services to individuals and groups.
- Apply community development strategies which engage citizens and community partners while advocating for healthy communities.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development as a recreation and leisure services professional.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books and supplies cost approximately $300 per term. Supplies can be purchased at the campus store.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
Health Requirements:
The physical and emotional health of each applicant to the program must be such that they can successfully cope with the program of instruction including the demands of field placement (e.g. stress and time management) Individuals who have concerns about their ability to meet these requirements should contact the coordinator of the program prior to submitting an application.
Police Records Check Documentation:
Though not an admission requirement, applicants must note important information listed below regarding Police Record Check program requirements.
Students must provide the College with a current Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS) prior to the deadline identified by the department and students are responsible for any associated costs. If this documentation is not submitted on time, students may not be placed and registration in the program will be jeopardized. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate and will be asked to withdraw.
Field Placement Eligibility:
Field placements occur in the first and second year of the program.
Hospital and Field Placements/Outreach require Health and Safety, WHMIS and OWHSA training, and de-escalation training prior to placements. There are additional costs associated with training that should be anticipated by students which are not covered by tuition fees.
To be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of Standard First Aid certification, CPR level C, PRCSVS, and complete immunizations through ParaMed and pay associated costs. ParaMed services are the third-party provider who collects all field placement documentation for the School of Health and Community Studies.
Should you require further information, please contact the Program Chair.
Application Information
<>RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES
Program Code 0422X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by
ebruary 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
The Recreation and Leisure Services program consists of courses that are delivered in a variety of formats including face-to-face in a classroom, hybrid (combination of classroom and online learning) and online courses. Students participate in laboratory and field placement learning activities. Mandatory field placements may be scheduled outside of regular class hours. Class schedules vary from term to term and courses may be scheduled between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday.
Students may apply for transfer of academic credits from Algonquin College (internal transfer) or from other institutions (external transfer). College Policies AA09 and AA10 apply to transfer of credits. Students pay a fee for each course they wish to be exempt from and must provide course outlines and transcripts for the course substituted. https://www.algonquincollege.com/directives.
We recognize the importance of prior learning and life experience. Students may apply for credit by challenging courses using Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Through either a portfolio or challenge examination, a PLAR may lead to the acceptance of work and life experience in lieu of taking certain courses. College Policy AA06 applies to PLAR. More information can be found at https://www.algonquincollege.com/col/plar.html.
Although part-time study is not available, customized delivery of program components may be arranged.
ACADEMIC PROBATION:
Students who have two or more F grades in a given term or whose term grade point average falls below 1.7 are considered to be on academic probation (Policy AA14 Grading System). This requires the student to meet with their academic advisor or coordinator to sign a learning contract which identifies the conditions which must be met to continue in the program. Students who do not meet the terms of their learning contract will be withdrawn from the program.
PROGRESSION:
Students receiving three or more Failures in a term MUST successfully complete these courses prior to moving on to the next level of the program. This may mean that the student sits out a term before returning to the program. Any exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of the faculty team.
Contact
Kim Goodman
Program Coordinator
Kim Goodman is a multifaceted leader in community development, juggling roles as Program Coordinator and part-time Professor at Algonquin College alongside her new consulting venture. With a background spanning municipal government and non-profit sectors, she brings extensive expertise to her work. Actively engaged in various boards, including the Ontario Trails Council and Rural Recreation Association, Kim demonstrates a deep commitment to community engagement. Her passion for community development is evident in her advocacy for accessible recreation and leadership in transformative projects. As a devoted mother of two, she finds solace in her garden and plans adventurous backcountry paddling trips. Kim’s journey is a testament to the transformative impact of community development, from her grassroots involvement in rural Ontario to spearheading initiatives like securing grants for community centers. In her teaching role, she inspires students with her diverse career experiences, fostering a new generation of community leaders.
Kevin Lee
Professor
Room A102
Kevin Lee is a full-time faculty member at Algonquin College teaching in the Recreation and Leisure Services program since 2001. Kevin has over 25 years of experience in the field of public and private recreation with Algonquin College, the City of Nepean, the City of Ottawa and the Thunderbird Golf and Athletic Club.
Kevin is a graduate from the University of Ottawa, with an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences (Honours) in Recreation with a minor in Public Policy and Public Management. He also has a Master of Arts degree in Human Kinetics, Sports Administration from the University of Ottawa. Kevin has taught many of the courses in the recreation programs specializing in community development, recreation leadership, recreation programming, sociology of sport and leisure, risk management in sports and recreation, and trends in recreation and leisure services. Kevin is excited to engage to students in learning about the importance of recreation and wellness in our daily lives. He uses a variety of teaching methods, serves as a role model for students and engages them in community development projects on campus and in the local community. Kevin was a nominee for the 2016 Laurent Isabelle Award which recognizes excellence and innovation in teaching.
Kevin and his students were instrumental in creating, planning, organizing and delivering on the construction of the AC Ice Court on the campus of Algonquin College.
Kevin is also a member of Parks and Recreation Ontario – http://prontario.org/ ,the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, High 5 – http://www.highfive.org/ and the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association – http://www.orfa.com/
Kevin had the privilege of completing a sabbatical working with the Township of Beckwith’s Recreation Department from January 2012-January 2013. Kevin has partnered with Beckwith Township and coordinates the annual Beckwith Hockey Camp each summer.
Kevin is a founding member and Executive Board member of the Rural Recreation Association (RRA) serving Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Counties – http://www.healthyllg.org/physicalactivity.html
Kevin is also heavily involved in his community coaching competitively in hockey http://apmha.org/ , soccer – http://almontesoccer.com/ and basketball.
He is also a board member with the Naismith Basketball Association and is Co-Chair of the annual Naismith 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament held in Almonte http://www.naismithbasketball.ca/. Kevin has been a community builder working with local community organizations in promoting and growing the sport of basketball in Almonte. He also had the privilege to be involved with the NBA Cares Project where a community park and basketball court was re-vitalized – http://millstonenews.com/2016/02/nba-posts-video-about-almontes-basketball-connection.html
He has also served as executive board member with the Dr. James Naismith Foundation http://naismithbasketballfoundation.com/.
Patsy Pyke
Professor
Room A131F
Patsy is a graduate of Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Upon graduation, she started working in the Recreation field in the private sector and then at the municipal level. After teaching Physical Education at Sir John A McDonald High School in Halifax, Patsy spent ten years at Mount Saint Vincent University as the Head Coach for Women’s Basketball and Soccer. She is a Master Coach Developer with the Coaching Association of Canada in their Coach Education Program. Patsy began teaching part-time in the Paramedic and Police Programs, and wrote the General Education Course, Victimology. She took on a new role at Algonquin as the Student Success Specialist for the Faculty of Health, Public Safety and Community Studies in 2008, and began teaching full-time in the Recreation Program in 2009.
Jonna Spadfore
Professor
Jonna holds a degree in Recreation and Sport Business from the University of Waterloo. She has a diverse background in recreation, having worked in campus recreation at both the University of Waterloo and George Brown College, where she held roles such as Intramural Convenor, Athletics Coordinator, and Extramural Coach. Jonna also gained valuable experience at Ziptrek Ecotours in Whistler, BC. Most recently, she served as a Residence Life Coordinator at Algonquin College, where she was responsible for planning, executing, and facilitating a variety of events for the residence community and staff. In her free time, Jonna loves to spend time outdoors in nature with family and friends, whether it’s camping, skiing/snowboarding, or hiking with her Boxer dog and 1-year-old daughter.
Jennifer Sterne
Professor
Jennifer began at Algonquin College in 2000 and has her Master of Health Studies and Education, BAH in Psychology, and Recreation Therapy Graduate Certificate receiving the Highest Academic and Community Contribution awards. Jennifer was a manager with the City of Ottawa Inclusive Recreation, offered Therapeutic Recreation (TR) support in group homes, supported independent living with her TR private practice, and fostered TR community life skill development.
In 2018 Jennifer developed the Therapeutic Recreation Graduate Certificate. Jennifer was nominated for the Diane Bloor Part-time Faculty Achievement Award with a passion for creating positive learning environments and student engagement in her dozen courses developed and taught.
For 25 years, Jennifer has been an active member of Therapeutic Recreation Ontario and a volunteer for the local chapter. As the Membership Coordinator for the 2018 TRO Conference in Ottawa, this team coordinated and hosted over 300 delegates.