Mount Pleasant, S.C. (Sept. 27, 2019) – On Monday, Sept. 23, the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department joined 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 2019 NRPA Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD.
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, the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department 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.
"This distinction is representative of staff's hard work day in and day out to provide the best customer service and programs to our community," said Mount Pleasant Recreation Department Director, Steve Gergick. "Mount Pleasant Recreation Department is the first municipality in the state to receive CAPRA accreditation, and we could not be prouder."
The Mount Pleasant Recreation Department joins Charleston County, Greenville County, Spartanburg County, and Richland County as the only agencies in South Carolina to receive this distinct honor.
“Town Council joins me in congratulating the Recreation Department for maintaining the quality and standard of excellence that they have consistently achieved year after year,” said Mayor Will Haynie. “We are extremely proud of our Recreation Department.”
The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained professionals that results in a written report, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation. 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.
For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit www.nrpa.org/CAPRA.
About the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department
The Mount Pleasant Recreation Department offers recreational activities for all ages throughout the Mount Pleasant area. The first CAPRA certified municipality in the state of South Carolina, the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department strives to achieve excellence and deliver superior customer service. For more information about offerings, please visit their website at MtPleasantRec.com.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.