CAPRA Q&A with Kurtis Baumgartner, COO

KB: The National Recreation and Park Association’s Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) is a valuable measure of a department’s quality of operation, management, and service provided to the community. There are 154 standards that are evaluated across 10 areas, including agency role and responsibility; planning; organization and administration; human resources; financial management; programs and services; facility and land use; public safety; law enforcement and security; risk management; and evaluation and research. To achieve reaccreditation, an agency must comply with all 36 fundamental standards and 112 of the 118 (95%) non-fundamental standards. 

KB: The focus of CAPRA is something we use to make sure that all divisions are operating with best practices. For CCPR, that means “beyond best practices” as we are setting goals above and beyond the basics that are in place to meet accreditation standards. We strive to operate in the most efficient and effective means that we can.

KB: CAPRA helped us navigate the uncertainties of the COVID pandemic. Our policies and documentation were already aligned and up to date to prepare us in ways we hadn’t known would be needed. With solid infrastructure in place, we were able to create an in-depth operations plan that allowed us to react and be fluid as we navigated the unknowns of the pandemic. 

KB: We work to be mindful of the taxpayer dollars while maintaining high standards from a collaborative perspective. Our department values public input and strives to make data driven decisions. 

KB: CCPR consistently evaluates how best to operate to achieve sustainability, from an environmental and financial perspective. Collectively, we continue to work hard to make the community we serve proud.