The City of Roswell Recreation Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department earned its fifth consecutive accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The achievement is continuous of the Department's standing as a nationally distinguished park and recreation agency over the last 21 years. This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference.
The Department initially earned national accreditation in 2002 and received re-accreditation in 2007, 2012, and 2017 to demonstrate compliance with 154 recognized national standards to earn this designation. This mark of distinction indicates that the department has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety, and services.
"We are extremely proud to have earned the CAPRA accreditation once again. This achievement is a testament to the tireless efforts and commitment of our dedicated staff, who consistently strive to provide our community with the finest recreation, parks, historic and cultural services available," said Steven Malone, the newly appointed Director of the Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic & Cultural Affairs Department.
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.
As part of the accreditation process, the Department had to demonstrate compliance with 154 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.
With immense pride in the department's ongoing CAPRA accreditation, Steven Malone continued to comment, "Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to our exceptional team for their unwavering dedication in securing our place among the nation's leading recreation and parks agencies."
The process for accreditation involves 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. Once accredited, the agency must uphold the standards by submitting an annual report which is reviewed again in five years. For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit www.NRPA.org/CAPRA.
