THPRD Earns National Reaccreditation in Parks and Recreation

October 26, 2023: THPRD continues to be recognized nationally for earning reaccreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference. THPRD was first honored with CAPRA accreditation in 2017, with 2023 marking the district’s first-time seeking reaccreditation. Nationally, only 2% percent of park and recreation agencies have achieved accreditation.

CAPRA offers 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 reaccreditation process, THPRD 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.

“The CAPRA process is invaluable because it allows us to analyze our practices and to compare them against national benchmarks for best practices in our field,” said Aisha Panas, Deputy General Manager. “CAPRA provides us the opportunity to fine-tune our practices and to keep up-to-date with emerging trends and innovations. By taking the time to think critically about our work, we are able to constantly improve our service delivery for the public.”

The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained volunteers that results in a written report, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation.

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, the Council of State Executive Directors, The National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society, The National Association of State Park Directors, and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.

For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit www.nrpa.org/CAPRA.

About THPRD
Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning 50 square miles and serving about 250,000 people in the greater Beaverton area. The district oversees year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of recreational classes, 117 parks, nearly 70 miles of trails, and 162 natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.