Garland, TX – The City of Garland’s Parks Department is thrilled to announce its recent achievement of CAPRA accreditation, a prestigious recognition awarded to only about 200 parks departments out of more than 10,000 nationwide. This significant accomplishment underscores the department’s commitment to operational excellence and high-quality service to the community.
CAPRA, administered by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), signifies that an agency has met rigorous standards of operation, management, and community service. The accreditation process is extensive and involves a thorough evaluation, including self-assessments and site visits, and must be renewed every five years.
Garland Parks staff dedicated countless hours to this endeavor, creating and compiling Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance efficiency and service quality. Their hard work will ensure that as new staff join the department or questions arise regarding procedures, answers are readily accessible, promoting a smooth operational flow.
The City of Rowlett, which previously held CAPRA accreditation, faced challenges in maintaining the title and ultimately lost it. Ryan Mullins, Rowlett’s new Director of Parks & Recreation, acknowledged the demanding nature of both achieving and sustaining accreditation. “It takes ongoing dedication and resources to meet the standards required for CAPRA accreditation,” Mullins noted.
The CAPRA accreditation not only demonstrates Garland’s dedication to excellence but also enhances the city’s reputation as a great place to live. As the City of Garland celebrates this achievement, there is hope that the parks departments across the tri-cities will continue to receive community support. With the commitment from local governments, residents can look forward to enhanced parks and recreational services in the region.
More details about the accreditation and its benefits will be shared later this fall, but for now, the City of Garland is proud to stand among the elite park agencies nationwide that have achieved this remarkable distinction.
