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The City of Scottsdale is proud to have been able to achieve national accreditation of park and recreation agencies.
Conferred by the National Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), and sanctioned by the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration, and the National Park and Recreation Association, the City of Scottsdale is the only City in Arizona to have achieved such an honor.
Accreditation is a form of credentialing. It is public recognition given by an authorized entity that an Agency has met minimum standards designated as important to quality operations. Accreditation is concerned with a program, operation, or system; in contrast to certification, which is a quality designation for individuals who have met certain professional competencies. Park and Recreation Accreditation is a voluntary program that requires agencies to develop sound fiscal management policies, examine park safety issues, design innovative programming, and plan for the future.
The City of Scottsdale Parks & Recreation Division achieved accreditation in October 1994, and re-accreditation in 1999. Work is on going to maintain the high level of professional standards and most importantly, to continue to provide the citizens of Scottsdale with the highest levels of service and the most effective leisure time programming.
Accreditation means that the Agency has met professional standards covering all aspects of the operation of a public park and recreation agency. The standards are organized into 10 categories:
Agency Authority, Role and Responsibility
Planning
Organization and Administration
Human Resources
Fiscal Policy and Management
Program and Services Management
Facility and Land Use Management
Safety and Security
Risk Management
Evaluation and Research
How does a citizen benefit from Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Accreditation?
Your parks and recreation operation has met and/or exceeded 155 national standards.
Your parks and recreation agency serves as a “benchmark” for all other similar agencies.
National recognition of quality programs and services has been achieved.
By engaging in the self-assessment component of the accreditation process, increased efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of programs and services will enhance service to the citizen.