TUCSON PARKS AND RECREATION EARNS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
Tucson Parks and Recreation continues to be among the elite park and recreation agencies across the country by earning reaccreditation 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 2020 NRPA Annual Conference: A Virtual Experience. The department originally was awarded CAPRA Accreditation in October 2010 and maintained accredited agency status in 2015, as it is a requirement of agency accreditation to go through a review process every five years.
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, Tucson Parks and Recreation had to demonstrate compliance with 151 recognized standards and document 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.
"The staff members of Tucson Parks and Recreation are dedicated to enhancing quality of life in our community by providing inclusive, engaging, and inspiring activities and spaces," said Interim Director Tim Thomure. "Maintaining our CAPRA accreditation signals that we perform this work at an industry-leading level. Yet, we are committed to continuing improvement and in making the most of the community’s ongoing investments through the Tucson Delivers Parks + Connections bond program. We are proud of where we are today, and the best is yet to come."
The process for accreditation involves 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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's visitations were held virtually. Once accredited, the department 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.
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