Mark of distinction recognizes commitment to highest level of service to the community
City of Germantown
On September 21, Germantown Parks and Recreation joined the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country by earning re-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 2022 NRPA Annual Conference.
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 re-accreditation process, the Germantown Parks and Recreation 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.
“To be grouped in a category within our industry that is considered to be ‘the Best of the Best’ is quite the accomplishment,” said Parks and Recreation Director Natalie Ruffin (pictured). “The benefits of maintaining this accreditation ensures that we operate under the highest standards to serve our customers well and holds this department accountable,” Ruffin added.
Ruffin also gave thanks to Pam Beasley, Parks and Recreation Director Emeritus, who, prior to her retirement, led the Parks and Recreation team through the rigorous re-accreditation process. The team at Parks and Recreation gave their all throughout the process and the department had the support of the entire City of Germantown staff. “We are excited to share this special recognition with our residents and we look forward to continuing to enhance the quality of life of those we serve,” stated Ruffin.
The process for re-accreditation involves a formal application, 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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s visitations were held virtually. Once accredited, the agency must uphold the standards by submitting an annual report and is reviewed again in five years.
The Commission is composed 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 Academy for Leisure Sciences, the Armed Forces Recreation Network and the Council of State Executive Directors. For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit www.nrpa.org/CAPRA.
