The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently announced that the DeSoto Parks & Recreation Department has received accreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). With the announcement, DeSoto Parks & Recreation joins an elite group of 155 park and recreation agencies across the nation who has achieved accreditation.
“This national accreditation of our Parks & Recreation Department is another major milestone for our City,” said DeSoto Mayor Curtistene McCowan. “The honor of being ranked among the “best of the best” is a testament to the outstanding leadership, dedication and hard work of our administration, staff and community partners” said Mayor McCowan. “Special commendations go to Renee Johnson and her team for establishing and maintaining a standard of excellence for programs and services that meet the needs of our diverse community.”
National accreditation through CAPRA signifies that the Department employs national best practices in all facets of the organization. It is an extensive, multi-year process which includes the completion of an application and detailed self-assessment report as well as a site assessment conducted by the agency and the Commission. Accreditation requires agencies to respond to 151 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.
“The DeSoto Parks & Recreation Team is committed to providing a premier park system by implementing the best management practices and establishing an elite agency to serve our citizens,” said M. Renee Johnson, Director, DeSoto Parks & Recreation Department. “Our citizens deserve the pursuit of excellence.”
The DeSoto Police Department has been accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) since 1993 and recently underwent a re-accreditation. With the announcement of the Parks & Recreation Department accreditation, DeSoto is now one of only three local government agencies in the North Texas area to have two accredited departments.
There were big smiles all around as DeSoto learned that they were approved for the CAPRA accreditation. Pictured here from left, DeSoto Senior Center Manager Nathan Busby; Recreation Specialist Roderick Turner; Recreation/Civic Center Supervisor Kevin Moore; Managing Director M. Renee Johnson; Mayor Curtistene McCowan; CAPRA Visitation Committee Chair Gregory Mack; and Parks Operations Coordinator Danny Johnson.
