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Staff outlines CAPRA accreditation pursuit and spring community events, says inaugural fun run route ~6 km
Summary
Library & Community Services staff updated the commission on pursuing CAPRA accreditation (now targeting fall 2027) and outlined planning for an inaugural April 2026 community fun run with a proposed ~6 km route and sponsorship tiers; staff also reported increases in recent program attendance.
Staff updated the commission on two department priorities: pursuing national accreditation and planning upcoming community events. Tricia Mullen described the department’s goal to pursue CAPRA (the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) accreditation as part of the 2024–26 strategic plan and said the department has shifted its target to fall 2027 to accommodate revised 2027 standards.
Mullen summarized CAPRA requirements: agencies must meet all fundamental standards (37 in the current edition) and a portion of non-fundamental standards; the process includes staff training, a self-assessment narrative, external review by a CAPRA review team, and an in-person or virtual site visit. She noted there are relatively few accredited agencies in California and described accreditation as a measure of operational standards, accountability and service quality.
On events, staff presented planning for a community fun run tentatively set for April 2026. The ad hoc subcommittee reviewed two route options that start at Bellingham Community Campus and aim to limit residential impact. The proposed route is approximately 6 kilometers; staff indicated the route minimizes road closures and that public works, police and emergency services reviewed the options. Staff said sponsorship tiers and a sponsorship guide are posted on the event page; the event page initially (and incorrectly) listed the run as free, and staff said they would update registration and pricing details.
Ashley Dixon reported positive participation in recent library and community programs: Halloween events showed roughly 500 additional attendees (about a 33% increase) and trunk-or-treat attendance rose 44%; pool events showed smaller gains. Staff said a spot survey had a lower-than-expected response rate and they will extend outreach to increase participation.
Staff listed next planning meetings (Dec. 9; Jan. 6; Feb. 10) and said they anticipate a final planning meeting in March or April before the event. Commissioners raised questions about map images and route profiles and asked staff to refine promotional materials and accessibility information.
