Why

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) delivers quality assurance and improvement to accredited park and recreation departments throughout the United States. This operational management system improves their infrastructures; increases efficiency in all activities; and demonstrates accountability within their communities. Implementation of this system strengthens teamwork among department staff, imbeds all aspects of CAPRA into their department’s internal culture, and establishes a continuous improvement mindset for all department activities.

CAPRA is the only national accreditation of park and recreation departments and is a valuable measure of a department’s overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community. Achieving CAPRA accreditation is the best way to demonstrate that your department and your staff provide your community with the highest level of service.

HOW

Zec Eight Insights was hired to provide consultation, project management, and support for Memphis Parks’ attempt to become a CAPRA accredited parks system. Zec Eight Insights conducted an all staff meeting in September 2022 to formally kick-off the CAPRA process. Staff members were organized into chapter teams, each with a leader or co-leader. Over the course of 2023 and into 2024, Zec Eight Insights reviewed and assessed evidence of compliance (EOC), facilitated staff workshops and meetings, and provided overall guidance for the CAPRA accreditation process.

What

Memphis Parks received accreditation during the spring 2024 visit season, becoming only the third agency from Tennessee to achieve this status.

Reference
Amy Collier, CPRP
Development Manager
(901) 636-4206
amy.collier@memphistn.gov
2599 Avery Avenue
Memphis, TN 38112