San Diego County Parks and Recreation Department earned reaccreditation last week from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), one of only 25 counties in the nation to receive the commendation.
This is the second time the department has received the commendation, and it is the first in California to be reaccredited.
CAPRA, the only national accreditation for parks and recreation operators in the country, measures agencies for excellence and service using 152 markers of quality.
CAPRA noted the department’s planning process, collaboration with other agencies and diversity of amenities and offerings.
“Earning national accreditation means you have been identified as running a best-in-class operation,” said Chairman Ron Roberts, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “Clearly, from the top down, our County Parks and Recreation department staff members have shown they understand what it takes to go above and beyond for our residents.”
County Parks and Recreation Director Brian Albright said the reaccreditation recognizes the department’s commitment to building and maintaining an excellent park system.
“This reaccreditation validates ongoing efforts to enhance recreational opportunities in San Diego, while balancing the specific needs of the wildlife and ecosystems that are unique to our region,” Albright said. “We appreciate the endorsement and invite residents to enjoy all that parks have to offer.”
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Accreditation was announced Wednesday at the National Recreation and Park Association Congress and Expo in St. Louis, Missouri.
The County Department of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 120 parks, preserves, historic sites, sports complexes and community centers across 50,000 acres of land. Some 350 miles of trails take visitors through multiple climates and habitats, with hundreds of planned outdoor activities for all ages, interests and abilities.
Reaccreditation is a two-year process that required the staff compile data and documents to demonstrate best practices in all aspects of the department, which was evaluated by a committee of industry professionals earlier this year.
Agencies must be reaccredited every five years.
