MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) announced recently that Gainesville Parks and Recreation was reaccredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) this year for the tenth straight year.<br />
<br />
The accomplishment was announced during the NRPA 2010 Congress & Exposition in Minneapolis, Minn. Gainesville Parks and Recreation has been an accredited by CAPRA since 2000 and is one of only 95 agencies in the U.S. with this accreditation status.<br />
<br />
National accreditation through CAPRA is an extensive multi-year process, which includes the completion of an application and detailed self-assessment report, a site visit by a committee of experienced park and recreation professionals, and a final assessment completed by the agency and the Commission. Accreditation requires agencies to respond to 144 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations. To become accredited, agencies must fully meet 36 standards deemed fundamental to a quality agency and at least 92 of the remaining standards.<br />
<br />
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. Accreditation is valid for a period of five years.<br />
<br />
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 American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, the Armed Forces Recreation Society and the Council of State Executive Directors.<br />
<br />
"Through reaccreditation, Gainesville Parks and Recreation has demonstrated its commitment to providing park and recreation programming at the highest standards, and contributing to the health and wellness of its community," said Barbara Tulipane, CEO of NRPA. "NRPA commends Gainesville Parks and Recreation for its long-standing excellence in the field."
