Dublin Parks and Open Space Receive National Accreditation
City of Dublin Parks and Open Space became one of only ninety agencies in the country and only the seventh in Ohio to receive national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This distinguished accomplishment was announced in Minneapolis, MN at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2010 Congress and Exposition.
We continually measure our success in providing the best leisure opportunities for the community,” said Matt Earman, Director of Recreation Services, “Through the accreditation process, we were able to take a more comprehensive look and measure our results against the nation’s best practices.
Earman said the process of accreditation is extensive and took several years to accomplish. After the initial application in 2009, the City completed a detailed self-assessment report followed by a visit to the City of Dublin by a team of experienced park and recreation professionals. Finally, a review was conducted by CAPRA and accreditation was formally conferred by the Commission.
National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to respond to 144 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations. To become accredited, agencies must demonstrate their ability to meet the standards, 36 of which are designated as fundamental to quality operations and are required of all agencies. City of Dublin, Division of Parks and Open Space distinguished itself even further by meeting all 144 standards.
The City of Dublin Director of Parks and Open Space, Fred Hahn and Director of Recreation Services, Matt Earman accepted the National Accreditation Recognition Award during the annual CAPRA Reception on October 26, 2010 in Minneapolis, MN.
"As we continue to implement the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, this process enables us to move forward knowing that our current practices are sound and we are headed in the right direction," Said Fred Hahn, Director of Parks and Open Space.
Comprised of a 13-member board, CAPRA is administratively sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association, but acts with independence and under its own authority in determining accreditation standards and conferring accreditation of applicant agencies.
Current Ohio agencies accredited include Westerville, Cincinnati, Grove City, Kettering, Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area, Miamisburg and City of Dublin.