CADDO PARKS AND RECREATION BECOMES NATIONALLY CERTIFIED PARK AGENCY
Out of 10,000 park systems in the nation, Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation becomes one of only 214 accredited park and recreation agencies
Caddo Parish, LA – Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation has joined the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country by earning national accreditation status through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) andthe National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The accreditation was officially conferred on Wednesday, October 9th during the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA.
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. 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.
Out of 10,000 park agencies in the nation, Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation becomes one of only 214 accredited park and recreation agencies.
“This national accreditation achievement exemplifies the Parish of Caddo’s pledge to delivering quality of life programs and services to all Caddo Parish citizens,”said Caddo Parish Administrator and CEO Erica R. Bryant. “We are extremely proud of our Parks team for their commitment to this process, our entire staff for their hard work, and the Caddo Parish Commission for their invaluable support,” said Bryant.
The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessment, a site visit by a team of trained volunteers that results in a written report, and a hearing with the CAPRA commission to grant accreditation.
Over the year plus process, Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation demonstrated compliance with 154 recognized industry standards and documentation of all policies and procedures. This accreditation process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality service and operation to benefit the community.
“CAPRA accreditation places Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation among the best agencies in the country,ensuring our guests always receive the highest standards of recreational spaces and experiences,” said Caddo Parish parks and recreation director Patrick Wesley. “Through best practices and accountability established by the accreditation process, we have a framework for the future of how we will enhance the quality of life in Caddo Parish as we gather, grow, work and enjoy our natural and recreational spaces,” said Wesley.
Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department must uphold national accreditation standards by submitting an annual report and must apply for re-accreditation every five years.
Caddo Parish’s park system includes 14 park sites across 1,100 acres of land that includes 28 hiking/biking/walking trails, 10 playgrounds and a collection of sporting courts, fishing piers and an RV campground. The department also facilitates various recreational opportunities, including football, baseball soccer and basketball camps, as well as fishing, archery, summer camps and more.
In 2022, voters in Caddo Parish voted for the upgrade and expansion of the Parish’s Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center, which when completed, will host a 13,000 square foot facility. The first of its kind in the region, the Center will include interactive exhibits, trails, aviary, and 6,000 feet of event space.
To learn more about CAPRA accreditation, visit nrpa.org/CAPRA. For more information about the Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.caddoparks.org.