10/12/2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department Announces
National Accreditation in Parks and Recreation
Mark of distinction recognizes commitment to highest level of service to the community
Oct. 12, 2023 – The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department joins the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country by earning 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 2023 NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas, TX.
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 accreditation process, the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation & Tourism 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.
“Becoming CAPRA accredited reaffirms our commitment to excellence for our community through people, parks and programs,” states Jessica Campbell, City of Aiken PRT Director. “We are honored to shoulder the significance of this accreditation as it empowers us to create and maintain a brighter future for our beloved city.”
The process for 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. Once accredited, the agency must uphold the standards by submitting an annual report and is reviewed again in 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 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.
About the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department
The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department takes an active role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and guests, providing activities and entertainment that showcase the city as a great place to live. The employees work in conjunction with commissions and local organizations to engage citizens that will guide future endeavors. Additionally, the department is a dynamic partner in the production of numerous community sponsored events. By maintaining local parks and providing creative programming, the department ensures that it provides quality green space, recreation and play opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit www.CityofAikenSC.gov, and follow us on social media @AikenParksRec and #AikenParksAndRec.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.
For more information, please contact Jessica Campbell, Parks, Recreation & Tourism Director
