Parks & Rec Department Becomes Nationally Accredited

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has announced that the City of Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Department has become one of only 99 park and recreation agencies accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), and only the third Parks and Recreation agency in the state of Missouri. This distinguished accomplishment was announced during the NRPA 2011 Legislative Forum in Washington, D.C.

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.

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.

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.

"The City of Chesterfield strives every day to inspire a passion for parks and recreation and to provide quality programs and facilities," stated Acting-Mayor Barry Flachsbart. "Our parks and recreational programs enhance the livability of our community, improve health, prevent crime and attract business. National accreditation adds credibility to these efforts. It is an honor worn with pride by each member of our staff and elected officials," he added.

The Department is led by Mike Geisel, Director of Planning, Public Works and Parks. "I want to commend our Parks & Recreation staff for their efforts in making this a reality. It's an outstanding distinction and they can be proud of what they have helped the City to achieve. The designation reflects a level of professionalism, efficiency of operations worthy of our community's high praise. The CAPRA logo is proof to our customers that we do what we say, and we do it well," Geisel stated.

For more information about the National Recreation and Park Association, go to www.nrpa.org.

Parks Accreditation Awarded