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Parks department prepares for CAPRA accreditation visit June 2–4
Summary
Parks staff told the board the department submitted a CAPRA application and self-assessment, will host a three-person NRPA review team June 2–4, and must meet a set of fundamental standards to achieve accreditation.
Garland Parks and Recreation staff told the Parks and Recreation Board the department is hosting a CAPRA accreditation review team June 2–4 as part of its application to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
Staff said the department submitted an application in September 2023 and delivered an agency self-assessment on Dec. 20, 2024. The accreditation process relies on a standards-based review: staff said the CAPRA program includes 154 standards overall, of which 36 are designated ‘‘fundamental’’ (the department must meet all fundamental standards to be eligible for accreditation). A multi-person review team will visit Garland facilities and interview staff before an in-person hearing at the NRPA conference in Orlando later this year.
Staff described logistics and next steps - Review team: Staff said a three-person visitation team will come from multiple jurisdictions (the team members were described as coming from Oregon, Baltimore and Dayton). The team will tour facilities, meet staff and review documentation prepared as “evidence of compliance.” - Schedule and recognition: Staff said the team arrives June 2; June 3 will include facility tours and a city council proclamation at the regular council session recognizing the department’s accreditation effort; June 4 will complete chapter reviews and an exit interview. - Evidence and documentation: Staff said the department prepared new policies, standard operating procedures and plans to meet the CAPRA standards, and the CAPRA packet included both foundational and discretionary standards. - Outcome timeline: Staff said the department will not know final results immediately but expects to attend the NRPA hearing in September to present outcomes; staff said accreditation, if awarded, would last five years before reaccreditation is required.
Why it matters: CAPRA accreditation is presented by staff as an industry-recognized quality standard. Staff told the board accreditation would signal the department follows national best practices in planning, administration, operations and safety.
Board members discussed logistics and suggested sites for the visit (Spring Creek, Audubon Park, Holford) and asked about the department’s ability to provide additional evidence if the visitation team requests it during the review.
