The Columbus Parks & Recreation Department completed the accreditation process, which was finalized with a distinguished announcement in Charlotte, NC at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2014 Congress and Exposition. On October 13, 2014 the Department became one of only 135 agencies in the country to have received national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park & Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).

In addition to being only one of 135 accredited parks and recreation agencies in the United States, the Columbus Consolidated Government is now distinguished as one of only ten government agencies in the state of Georgia to achieve CAPRA accreditation. The others include City of Alpharetta, City of Atlanta, City of Carrollton, City of Gainesville, City of Roswell, City of Woodstock, City of Savannah, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, and Clayton County.

The process of accreditation is extensive and took appropriately two years to accomplish. After the initial application, the agency completed a detailed self-assessment report followed by a visit to Columbus by a team of experienced park and recreation professionals. Finally, a review was conducted by CAPRA and accreditation was formally conferred by the Commission on October 13, 2014. 

The National CAPRA accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to respond to ten categories that detail 144 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation management and operations. To become accredited, agencies must comply with all 36 mandatory standards, which are considered fundamental to a quality operation. The agency must also comply with no less than 85% of the remaining 108 standards to earn accreditation. We are pleased to announce that the Department scored 99% by meeting almost all standards in all ten categories. 

Director of Parks and Recreation, Dr. James Worsley, and Accreditation Chair, Becky Glisson, will accept the National Accreditation Recognition Award for the Columbus Parks & Recreation Department during the annual CAPRA Ceremony on October 15, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.

The Commission is compromised of representatives appointed by the National Recreation and Park Association’s Board of Trustees, the AAPRA (American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration) Board of Directors, representatives from the ICMA (International City/County Managers Association), the NACo (National Association of Counties), the NRPA Council of Executive Directors, the Armed Forces Recreation Society, and the AALR (American Association for Leisure and Recreation).

The Parks & Recreation Department takes great pride in having earned the CAPRA Accreditation and looks forward to continuing to serve our citizens and visitors in a professional manner.