Parks and Recreation
News Release
For Immediate Release: March 29, 2011
Contact: Kim Becker
City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department
City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department
Earns National Accreditation
HENDERSON, Nev. – The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) announced that the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department became one of only 99 park and recreation agencies accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) this year. This distinguished accomplishment was announced March 18 during the NRPA 2011 Legislative Forum in Washington, D. C.
National accreditation is an extensive multi-year process, which includes the completion of an application and detailed self-assessment report, a site visit by a committee of experienced park and recreation professionals, and a final assessment completed by the agency and CAPRA. Accreditation requires agencies to respond to 144 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations. To become accredited, agencies must fully meet 36 standards deemed fundamental to a quality agency and at least 92 of the remaining standards.
Under the leadership of Parks and Recreation Director Mary Ellen Donner, the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department fully met all 144 standards, which CAPRA board members noted was “quite rare.”
“Agency accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment, and the City Council and I commend Mary Ellen Donner and her team for their hard work on behalf of the people of Henderson,” said Mayor Andy Hafen. “Our vision is for Henderson to become America’s premier community. We’re close in some areas and we still have some work to do in others. But there is no question that our Parks and Recreation Department is already premier. It is premier in its organizational excellence, sustainable practices, and in fostering a more vibrant community.”
CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies, and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community. Accreditation is valid for a period of five years. The City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department was first accredited in 2001 and reaccredited in 2006 and 2011.
For additional information, visit cityofhenderson.com.
The nationally accredited City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department provides premium services through diverse and innovative parks, recreation and natural resource opportunities. It serves the community with seven recreation centers (including a facility for adults 50+), 11 pools, 52 parks, five skate parks, two sports complexes, more than 60 linear miles of trails, Acacia Demonstration Gardens, the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, and thousands of programs for people of all ages and abilities.
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