San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department Earns National Accreditation

Connie Swann, 210-207-6122
Connie.Swann@sanantonio.gov

SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 20, 2022) – The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department joins 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 recognized during the 2022 NRPA Annual Conference and will be celebrated with City Council on October 20 during the City Manager’s Report.
 
Among the largest cities in the U.S., San Antonio is the third largest city to receive this national recognition, preceded by Chicago and Houston. 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, San Antonio Parks and Recreation had to demonstrate compliance with 154 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 while elevating public confidence.
 
Over 500 San Antonio Parks and Recreation staff maintain more than 16,000 acres of green space and operate over 255 City parks, 140 miles of park trails and 100 miles of hike and bike trails that comprise of the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System. “We’re incredibly proud and honored to have achieved national accreditation. This achievement is for the community and is reflective of the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication of our amazing staff,” said Homer Garcia III, Director of Parks and Recreation. The Department provides exceptional parks, facilities, programs, and services that improve the quality of life for all.
 
The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained, independent visitors that results in a written report, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s visitations were held virtually. 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.