What is CAPRA?

NRPA's 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, embeds 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 the Park and Recreation Department and staff provide communities with the highest level of service.

Reaccreditation is required every 5 years.

Our CAPRA Story

Dallas Park and Recreation first received CAPRA accreditation in 2016 by meeting all 154 accreditation standards on the first try. One of only a few departments to achieve this score. In 2021, the department renewed its accreditation by again meeting all 154 standards. Staff are working toward another perfect score in 2026.

Dallas Park and Recreation is proud to be CAPRA accredited and believes in providing Dallas residents with exceptional parks, trails, facilities, and programs, making Dallas a great place to live, work, and PLAY!