[Archived] Alexandria Recreation Department 2nd in Virginia to Receive National Accreditation

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

For Immediate Release
November 3, 2004
PIO 263-04/bg

Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department
Second in Virginia to Earn National Accreditation

The City of Alexandria Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department (RPCA) has earned national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). Alexandria’ Recreation Department is only the second department in Virginia and one of 46 in the United States to earn national accreditation.

As an accredited agency, the Alexandria Recreation Department responded to 155 standards in 10 categories, such as strategic planning, resource management, public information and marketing, human resources, fiscal management, programs and services, facility and land use management, safety and security, and research and evaluation. The 18-month process culminated in a February, 2004 visit by the CAPRA visitation team that is made up of certified parks and recreation professionals from throughout the United States. The Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities Department will be honored by the City Council at its Nov.9 meeting.

“We congratulate the Recreation staff for their hard work in achieving this national recognition,” said Mayor William Euille. “For Alexandria residents, the accreditation represents the City’s commitment to providing quality recreation and cultural programs and services and top-notch, well-managed parks and facilities.”

The accreditation team noted Alexandria for a number of strengths including the pride, professionalism and enthusiasm of the staff and the providing of quality services to the residents and visitors of the City.

Specific strengths of the Alexandria Recreation Department cited by the CAPRA visitation team included: the department’s positive and substantial impact on the quality of life; excellent program management; wide variety of programs and activities; the extensive use of volunteers; excellent fiscal planning and management; and strategic planning.

The Alexandria RPCA Department serves approximately 130,000 residents in the City’s 15 square mile area.

The Accreditation Commission is comprised of representatives from the National Recreation and Park Association, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, and the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials.