Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation earns second perfect score in reaccreditation review

The Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation Department once again has achieved a perfect score during its reaccreditation review.

The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, or CAPRA, is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and serves as a benchmark for quality in operations, management and service delivery.

Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation, first accredited in 2010, also earned a perfect score during its 2020 review.

Of the approximately 14,000 parks and recreation agencies across the country, only about 1 percent — 172 agencies — have earned the distinction.

The reaccreditation process includes a comprehensive application, self-assessment, a site visit conducted by a team of trained evaluators and a formal hearing with the commission.

“This reaccreditation recognition indicates that our Parks & Recreation Department meets high professional standards and demonstrates excellence in service and operational efficiency across all aspects of Parks & Recreation management,” said Don Kearney, department director. “Our department is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Sioux Falls residents by offering top-notch parks, facilities and recreation programs.”