Mark of distinction recognizes commitment to highest level of service to community
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 31, 2013) — Lexington Parks and Recreation joins the ranks of the elite park and recreation agencies and departments 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 2013 NRPA Congress and Exposition.
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, Lexington Parks had to demonstrate compliance with 144 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures.
“We met each and every one of them, which is quite rare, and is a testament to the hard work of everyone in the division,” said Director Jerry Hancock. Lexington Parks and Recreation is one of only 119 Park agencies in the country to have received CAPRA accreditation.
“It’s a big honor for us, city government overall, and of course, all of the park system users in our community,” Hancock said.
The process for accreditation involves self-assessments, a formal application, 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 and is reviewed again in five years.
Add Comment