NORFOLK, VA – The City of Norfolk’s Department of Parks & Recreation earned reaccreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) during the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference, making it one of 14 parks and recreation departments in the state to receive this distinction.
CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for parks and recreation agencies that measures 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.
“Anyone affiliated with this department should feel a sense of pride in knowing that the Norfolk Department of Parks & Recreation is one of the best in the nation,” said Norfolk Parks & Recreation Director Darrell Crittendon. “We did this after going through two years of downsizing, shuttered facilities and changes in program delivery and services related to the COVID-19 pandemic. What a resilient department!”
As part of the reaccreditation process, Norfolk Parks & Recreation had to demonstrate compliance with 154 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures. The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained evaluators that results in a written report, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation. Due to the pandemic, this year's visitations were held virtually. Once accredited, the agency must uphold the standards by submitting an annual report and undergoing another review 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