Reston Community Center Earns National Accreditation

 in Parks and Recreation (PDF) 

Mark of distinction recognizes commitment to highest level of service to the community

RESTON, VA, October 21, 2020 – Today, Reston Community Center 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 awarded during the 2020 NRPA Annual Conference: A Virtual Experience.

CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies, and it 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, Reston Community Center had to demonstrate compliance with 151 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.

“RCC has long pursued excellence in our programs and services,” said RCC Board Chair Beverly Cosham. “CAPRA accreditation validates our efforts and provides the people of Reston with confidence that their tax dollars are being wisely spent, they are part of our engagement processes, and that our work is conducted at the highest standards of accountability with the best practices established by the field.”

The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by a team of trained 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.

“We look forward to maintaining our accreditation status and continuing to meet these standards in the years ahead,” notes RCC Executive Director Leila Gordon. “Achieving this milestone is important and maintaining accreditation is equally vital to our success. We were able to succeed in large measure as a function of Fairfax County Government excellence and with the support of our colleagues in the Fairfax County Park Authority.”

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.