Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department (PROS) has a role to test new national park management standards. As recently reported by Miami-Dade government, PROS has been chosen by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The honor means that Miami-Dade Parks will submit its 2025 reaccreditation application under these new standards, providing feedback that will influence park systems countrywide.
Miami-Dade Parks has earned a reputation for excellence. Consistently exceeding benchmarks set by CAPRA, the Department notched its sixth reaccreditation in 2020, hitting the mark on 100% of requirements. "I am incredibly proud of Miami-Dade Parks for this prestigious recognition that reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in serving our residents," Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said, as mentioned in a statement. The Mayor, who also serves as a member of the National Parks System Advisory Board, emphasized the "critical role parks play in creating a healthier community."
The CAPRA accreditation process standards are arduous, stretching over a multi-year period and requiring park agencies to meet 154 criteria that ensure operations are both effective and efficient. The Department boasts a numerous awards, such as the NRPA National Gold Medal Awards, the Florida Governor’s Sterling Award, and the reputation as a model agency within the behemoth of 10,000 parks nationwide. Through this beta testing process, Miami-Dade Parks is not just maintaining standards; it’s setting them.
“Being selected to serve as a test organization for CAPRA’s new standards is both an honor and an opportunity for us to contribute to the future of parks leadership and management nationwide," said in a statement by Maria I. Nardi, Miami-Dade Parks Director. Serving nearly 2.8 million residents, the Department's commitment to park stewardship, conservation, and health services continues unabated, a commitment echoed in the various accolades received over the years. For more details on Miami-Dade Parks' role in developing these new standards can be found at the NRPA website.
