St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation earns national accreditation

in The Bay and the 'Burg by

The City of  St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation became one of only 90 agencies in the United States currently holding national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This distinguished accomplishment was announced in Washington, DC at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2010 Legislative Forum.

The process of accreditation is extensive and took several years to accomplish. After the initial application, the agency completed a detailed self-assessment report followed by a visit by a team of experienced park and recreation professionals. A final review was conducted by CAPRA and accreditation was formally conferred by the Commission on March 19, 2010.

National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to respond to 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.  To become accredited, agencies must fully meet 36 standards deemed fundamental to a quality agency and at least 101 of the remaining standards. St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation passed all 155 standards.

Sherry McBee, director of parks and recreation, accepted the National Accreditation Recognition Award for City of St. Petersburg at the accreditation hearing before the Commission.

The Commission is comprised of representatives from the National Recreation and Park Association, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Managers Association, American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, the Armed Forces Recreation Society, and the Council of State Executive Directors.

Peter Schorsch is the President of Extensive Enterprises and is the publisher of some of Florida’s most influential new media websites, including SaintPetersBlog.com, FloridaPolitics.com, ContextFlorida.com, and Sunburn, the morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics. SaintPetersBlog has for three years running been ranked by the Washington Post as the best state-based blog in Florida. In addition to his publishing efforts, Peter is a political consultant to several of the state’s largest governmental affairs and public relations firms. Peter lives in St. Petersburg with his wife, Michelle, and their daughter, Ella.