Baltimore County's Department of Recreation and Parks has recently secured a spot in the upper echelons of recreational management. As reported earlier this week by the Baltimore County Government, this achievement comes after being accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association's Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). With this badge of distinction, the department joins an exclusive club of 214 accredited park and recreation agencies out of around 10,000 nationwide.
The significance of this accreditation cannot be overstated. County Executive Johnny Olszewski was quoted in the official news release as saying, "Baltimore County residents deserve world-class recreational opportunities and our recent CAPRA accreditation affirms that we are poised to continue providing such opportunities." This acknowledgment highlights the department's commitment to exceptional service, inclusivity, and innovative pursuits within its community services.
The journey to accreditation involved rigorous assessments that measured the department on 154 metrics, which included a formal application with in-depth evaluations of the Department's planning, community engagement, financial procedures, and self-assessments. The crown jewel of their efforts is their 'Reimagine Recreation and Parks' initiative, aimed at modernizing through transparency, sustainability, and equity—cornerstones of their five-year strategic plan.
Looking ahead, the Department of Recreation and Parks will continue to be audited annually to maintain CAPRA's demanding standards, with a comprehensive review for reaccreditation due in five years.
