Title
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department Receives National Accreditation (NB)
This item is a brief presentation by Assistant City Manager Paul Folkers and Gina Peebles, President of the Florida Recreation and Park Association regarding Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department having obtained accreditation from the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). *estimated staff presentation 10 minutes*
Explanation
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs has worked for several years to meet the 144 national accreditation standards set forth by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). After an in-depth self-assessment process and report, followed by a thorough on-site peer review visit over three days by three park, recreation and cultural professionals from Ohio, Illinois and Iowa, the department has been advised by NRPA that it has exceeded the minimum requirements for becoming accredited.
The accreditation process is a voluntary evaluation of the department that is conducted by an external, unbiased source, CAPRA. The department's business practices are evaluated against national best practice standards created by the NRPA. Aside from the initial review, the accreditation process has an ongoing internal review of the department's policies and procedures which help document all aspects of the department's operations. The department is required to develop a new self-assessment report every five years, as well as submit annual reports to maintain its accreditation.
This newly granted accreditation for PRCA reaffirms the department's continued commitment to provide the public with excellence in service, as well as recognizing the department as a leader in the parks, recreation and cultural community. This national accreditation by CAPRA is the highest recognition that can be bestowed on a parks, recreation and cultural affairs operation, and sets it apart from thousands of other parks operations throughout the nation. The benefits to the City of Gainesville are: a) assurance and validation of well-administered services in accordance with industry best practices; b) enhancement of grant funding eligibility; c) ensured accountability to the community and responsiveness to their needs; and, d) improved customer service and quality programs.
A presentation will be made by Ms. Gina Peebles, President of the Florida Recreation and Park Association.
Fiscal Note
No funds are being requested.
Recommendation
The City Commission hear a brief presentation by Assistant City Manager Paul Folkers and Gina Peebles, President of the Florida Recreation and Park Association regarding Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department having obtained accreditation from the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).