Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department earns national accredition again
“We're very proud to once again reach this distinguished level of achievement,” said Parks and Recreation Director, Al Moll. “All of our Parks' employees should be commended for their dedication to not only maintaining this degree of excellence, but continuously striving to improve the park and recreation system. And, as always, we're extremely grateful for the support of the Mayor and the Park Board. ”
The process of reaccreditation is extensive and took several months to accomplish. After completing the application process, the agency developed a detailed self-assessment report followed by a visit to Fort Wayne by a team of experienced park and recreation professionals. Finally, a review was conducted by CAPRA and reaccreditation was formally conferred by the Commission on October 13, 2009.
Every five years, an accredited agency must be thoroughly reviewed to ensure continued compliance with the accreditation standards that have been established by the Commission. These standards represent all areas of operation for parks and recreation departments. National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to respond to 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient operations. To become accredited, agencies must fully meet 36 standards deemed fundamental to a quality agency and at least 102 of the remaining standards.
The Commission is comprised of representatives from the National Recreation and Park Association, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Managers Association, American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, the Armed Forces Recreation Society, and the Council of State Executive Directors.