Mark of distinction recognizes commitment to highest level of service to the community
On Nov. 10, the Town of Hartford Parks & Recreation Dept. joins the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference: A Virtual Experience.
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.
As part of the accreditation process, Hartford Parks & Recreation had to demonstrate compliance with 151 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures. Often the process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality service and operation to benefit the community.
“Hartford Parks & Recreation is the only agency in Vermont that has achieved this national honorary distinction through the National Recreation and Park Association” said Hartford Parks & Recreation director, Scott Hausler. “Re-accreditation is a great achievement for our department and confirms our commitment to providing the highest level of park and recreation services to our community. Successfully completing the stringent review process is the mark of excellence that demonstrates Hartford Park & Recreation’s commitment to providing quality programs, parks and customer service,” he added.
The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained visitors that results in a written report, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s visitations were held virtually. Once accredited, the agency must uphold the standards by submitting an annual report and is reviewed again in five years.
The Commission is comprised of representatives from NRPA, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Management Association, the Academy for Leisure Sciences, the Armed Forces Recreation Network and the Council of State Executive Directors.
Hartford Parks & Recreation’s mission is to serve the recreational needs of the community by offering lifelong learning through recreational and educational programming utilizing existing parks and facilities.
The department oversees 19 park and recreation facilities for the community to enjoy, from nature trails, outdoor fields, courts and open green spaces. Facilities include the Wendell A. Barwood Arena and Sherman Manning Pool, which is currently in the design construction phase. We provide the natural landscape and recreation facilities for the community to get in touch with nature, keep healthy and active through parks and play, and connecting with each other as a community through our special events and programs. In addition to our great parks and facilities, the department oversees a wide variety of recreation and sport programs and activities to provide something for everyone. The department is committed to maintaining the highest quality parks and facilities while dedicating itself to improving its program offerings and practices to meet current and future needs.
For more information, visit hartfordrec.com. For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit nrpa.org/CAPRA.
