Bismarck Parks and Recreation District Reaccredited

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) is one of only 119 agencies in the country, and the first in North Dakota, to have received national reaccreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This distinguished accomplishment was recently announced in Houston, TX at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2013 Congress and Exposition. BPRD was first accredited in 2008.

The process of reaccreditation is extensive. After the initial application, BPRD completed a detailed self-assessment report, which was followed by a visit to Bismarck by a team of experienced park and recreation professionals from across the country. Finally, a review is conducted by CAPRA and reaccreditation was formally conferred by the Commission at the NRPA conference. 

The reaccreditation process requires park and recreation agencies to respond to 144 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.  Of the 144 standards, 36 are deemed as fundamental standards, meaning an agency must meet that standard. Of the remaining 108 standards, an agency must meet 85%, or 92 of them, in order to be accredited, or in the case of BPRD, reaccredited. BPRD met all 144 standards. 

BPRD Executive Director Randy Bina and Board of Park Commissioner Vice President Julie Jeske accepted reaccreditation award on behalf of the district, staff and the Board of Park Commissioners.