Last week the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department joined the ranks of elite parks and recreation agencies across the country by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2018 NRPA Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.
CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services.
As part of the accreditation process, the Wake Forest Parks & Recreation Department was required to demonstrate compliance with 151 recognized standards, while documenting all policies and procedures. Often the process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality service and operation to benefit the community.
“This was a three-year process that required a commitment from our entire department, as well as other departments within the town,” Parks & Rec Director Ruben Wall said. “To me, obtaining our accreditation status means that we’re committed to providing the highest quality of services available in the field of recreation and cultural resources to the citizens we serve.”
Wall noted that although there are approximately 12,000 parks and recreation departments throughout the United States, only 178 have attained CAPRA accreditation.
The accreditation process involved a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained visitors that results in a written report, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation. Once accredited, the agency must uphold the standards by submitting an annual report and is reviewed again in five years.
The Commission is comprised of representatives from NRPA, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Management Association, the Academy for Leisure Sciences, the Armed Forces Recreation Network and the Council of State Executive Directors.
For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit www.nrpa.org/CAPRA<http://www.nrpa.org/CAPRA>.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org<http://www.nrpa.org>. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org<http://www.parksandrecreation.org>.
One Response
So proud of our WF Park & Rec Departmentent led by Rubin Wall! I have seen It grow from the days of Tony Trentini in the 1950’s. Wow!! Who would ever have imagined!!