Dallas residents already know that their parks and recreational areas are the finest in Texas, but a recent accreditation makes them officially the best in the Lone Star State.
The Dallas Park and Recreation Department has earned national parks and recreation accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
The Dallas department is no stranger to this distinction, having first earned this endorsement in 2016.
“We could not be happier with where our park system is, how it is growing, and how it will continue to grow for the future,” said Calvert Collins-Bratton, president of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board. “It has never been more apparent than right now that Dallas residents love their parks and trails, and they have given overwhelming support for bond programs that have further enhanced the park system.”
According to the CAPRA, receiving this honor indicates that Dallas “met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety, and services.”
“I’ve seen our park system evolve into one of the best in the nation, and I am excited,” said Jesse Moreno, who represents District 2 on the Dallas City Council. “Dallas will continue to invest resources to make sure parks and recreation programs are available and easy to access for residents no matter who they are and where they are in Dallas.”
To earn this distinction, Dallas demonstrated compliance with 154 recognized standards and documented all policies and procedures.
This is significant since less than 2% of the park and recreational areas nationwide receive this accreditation.
“As a newly elected council member and former Dallas Park and Recreation Board member, I am passionate and fully committed to providing residents, visitors, and our communities with the best parks, recreational facilities, and leisure programs,” said Moreno.
Dallas is among 20 municipal parks and recreation departments in Texas to be accredited.