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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-2012 Parks Department Receives Accreditation by the National recreation & Parks Association SpU TH 8F � G z s 1865 CITY OF SOUTH BEND PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR OFFICE OF THE MAYOR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 24,2012 Contact: Debra Johnson, Director of Communications Phone: 574-235-5853 PARKS DEPARTMENT RECEIVES ACCREDITATION BY THE NATIONAL RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION SOUTH BEND—The South Bend Parks &Recreation Department has received one of the industries most prestigious awards at a recent meeting of the National Recreation& Parks Association(NRPA). The department was re-certified in the accreditation process, and honored at ceremonies on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the NRPA National Congress that was held this year in Anaheim, California. "The recognition demonstrates that the South Bend Parks &Recreation Department meets or exceeds the most stringent standards of accountability, and has met the highest standards set for Parks and Recreation Agencies throughout the United States," said Mayor Pete Buttigieg. "The department is now one of only 102 accredited departments out of the over 10,000 municipal, county, state, military, and international member parks and recreation providers." The Accreditation Program for Park and Recreation Agencies is administered by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, an independent body which is sanctioned by NRPA and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration(AAPRA). "Receiving our Reaccreditation by the National Recreation and Parks Association at this year's 2012 Congress in Anaheim California,was the culmination of great effort put forward by the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department," said South Bend Parks and Recreation Department Director Phil St. Clair. "The process required for accreditation provides the opportunity for us to be assessed by our peers throughout the country, and determine how we align with best practices in the parks and recreation field. Meeting and or exceeding high benchmarks in public service has always been our goal, and through the national accreditation process we have been able to identify our strengths and our areas to improve. We are thrilled to be recognized by the NRPA, and our peers, as one of the nation's leading park and recreation agencies." 1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING•227 W.JEFFERSON BOULEVARD•SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601 PHONE 574/235-9261• FAx 574/235-9892 SpU TH 8F � G z s 1865 CITY OF SOUTH BEND PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CAPRA administers a rigorous program based on self-assessment and peer review using national standards of best practice to better promote the quality of agency services and delivery systems. Agency accreditation is available to all entities administering park and recreation systems, including municipalities, townships, counties, special districts and regional authorities, councils of government and schools. Detailed information on each of the 155 standards including commentary and suggested evidence of compliance can be found in The Self-Assessment Manual for Quality Operation of Park&Recreation Agencies and the following: • AGENCY AUTHORITY,ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY • PLANNING • ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION • HUMAN RESOURCES • FINANCE (FISCAL POLICY AND MANAGEMENT) • PROGRAM AND SERVICES MANAGEMENT • FACILITY AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT • SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY • RISK MANAGEMENT • EVALUATION AND RESEARCH(EVALUATIVE RESEARCH) Standards marked are fundamental standards for quality operations and are required of all Agencies seeking accreditation. Agency accreditation is voluntary, but an essential piece to producing quality environments for communities to play, live and grow. 1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING•227 W.JEFFERSON BOULEVARD•SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601 PHONE 574/235-9261• FAx 574/235-9892