Dearborn Recreation Department Earns National Accreditation

The Dearborn Recreation Department has became one of only 88 agencies in the United States and just the second in Michigan to earn national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).

This distinguished accomplishment was announced in Salt Lake City, UT at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2009 Congress and Exposition earlier in October.

“We are both pleased and proud of this achievement,” said Dearborn Director of Recreation Greg Orner.

The process of accreditation is extensive and took nearly two years to accomplish. After Dearborn’s initial application, the Recreation Department completed a detailed self-assessment report. Following the submission of the report, a team of experienced park and recreation professionals visited Dearborn and evaluated the Recreation Department’s self-assessment report. A final review was undertaken by CAPRA officials and acceditation was formally conferred by the Commission on October 15, 2009.

As part of the application process, the Recreation Department’s performance was measured against 156 stardards, representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations. To earn accreditation, the Department had to fully meet 36 standards deemed fundamental to a quality agency and at least 102 of the remaining 120 standards.

“This was a long, detailed process of self-evaluation,” said Orner, “but there’s no doubt that the process has better prepared us to serve the residents of Dearborn.”

CAPRA 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.