Parks & Recreation Receives National Accreditation

Published on January 10, 2025

Imagine this: out of over 10,000 parks and recreation departments across the country, Pinecrest is in an elite group of 214 agencies to receive national accreditation. That puts the department in the top 2% of parks departments nationwide. This accreditation comes from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the gold standard for parks and recreation agencies. It’s not an easy feat to achieve – the Parks and Recreation Department had to meet 154 different standards to prove it is operating at the highest level.

This positively impacts the community. It means that Pinecrest residents and visitors can be confident they’re getting top-notch services, well-maintained facilities, and innovative programs. The department had to go through an intense process, including self-assessments and a site visit from trained volunteers, to show it is truly excelling in every area.

This recognition was officially awarded at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta. It’s not just about bragging rights, though. This accreditation process helps the department identify areas where it can improve even further. Pinecrest residents can look forward to even better parks and recreation services in the future. 

This accreditation aligns with four of the Village Council’s Strategic Priorities: Organizational Excellence, Residential Character and Community Enhancement, Recreation and Infrastructure, and Environmental Sustainability. It also aligns with the Village’s designation as the first municipality in the nation to be a City of Happiness in collaboration with the World Happiness Foundation. 

Visit one of our parks to enjoy five-star amenities.