Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, TX – The City of Brownsville’s Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has recently achieved accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This significant accomplishment underscores the department’s commitment to providing exceptional services, programs, and facilities to Brownsville residents and surrounding communities.
“Earning CAPRA accreditation is a testament to our team’s hard work, dedication, and vision for the future of parks, trails and recreation, and open space in Brownsville,” said Helen Ramirez, AICP, Brownsville City Manager. “We, as a City are committed to continuous improvement of our Parks and Recreation facilities across Brownsville and we are excited to uphold and surpass rigorous standards for the benefit of the people we serve in our community.”
“I echo Ms. Ramirez’ comment in that this recognition reaffirms the City of Brownsville’s Parks and Recreation Department staff’s dedication to providing top-tier services to our residents,” said Alan Guard, Brownsville Deputy City Manager and Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Department. “It showcases the exceptional standards maintained by our Parks and Recreation staff and all City employees. Congratulations to the entire team on this monumental achievement.”
CAPRA accreditation stands as the gold standard for park and recreation agencies, emphasizing quality, efficiency, and delivery of top-notch services to the community. This endorsement signals that the Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department has successfully met rigorous criteria related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety, and community services.
Out of more than 23,000 parks and recreation agencies across the nation, only 208 agencies hold this esteemed accreditation, placing Brownsville’s department in an elite group that represents less than 1% of agencies on a national level.
The process of achieving this accreditation was no small feat. It entailed a thorough formal application, a self-assessment report, a comprehensive self-assessment, and an in-depth site visit from the Commission Review Team, resulting in a detailed report, followed by a formal hearing with the CAPRA Commission to finalize the accreditation status.
With this recognition, the City of Brownsville Parks and Recreation Department will maintain its accredited status by submitting an annual report and seeking re-accreditation in five years, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and the Brownsville community.
CAPRA and National Recreation and Parks Association set the standard for parks and recreation agencies nationwide, ensuring that communities have access to high-quality recreational opportunities and green spaces. Their accreditation process evaluates agencies’ commitment to the community, management efficiency, and overall operational quality.
Brownsville’s Parks and Recreation Department offers quality valued assets and programs to the community through a variety of services that enhance Brownsville’s quality of life, economic value, and sense of community. The PARD manages 40 parks encompassing over 1,000 acres of parkland, featuring 32-miles of hike/bike trails, three gymnasiums and public pool, 50-buildings and structures, over 55-athletic fields, a sports park, an events center, a golf center, a cemetery, and a dog park.
To learn more about the City of Brownville’s Parks and Recreation Department, please visit: https://www.brownsvilletx.gov/308/Parks-Recreation.
