City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services receives national accreditation

The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (PRCS) Department was reaccredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) during the 2025 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Annual Conference last week, reaffirming its place among nationally recognized park and recreation agencies.

CAPRA accreditation is a mark of excellence that sets the standard for park and recreation agencies nationwide. With less than 3% of agencies across the country achieving this status, the City of Colorado Springs has demonstrated that its parks, programs, and safety practices meet rigorous national standards. PRCS first earned this distinction in 2020 and has successfully completed the reaccreditation process, reaffirming its commitment to excellence.

"Achieving reaccreditation is a significant milestone for our department and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team," said Britt Haley, Director of PRCS. "Many people choose to live in Colorado Springs because of our beautiful parks, open spaces, and exceptional recreational opportunities. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our staff, who continually rise to the occasion, delivering excellence in service even amidst challenging demands. We are committed and proud to serve our community and ensure that our service and amenities remain a cherished part of what makes our City a wonderful place to call home."

To achieve CAPRA accreditation, PRCS had to comply with 154 recognized standards, documenting all policies and procedures ensuring that it meets best practices in management and service delivery. This extensive process includes a formal application, self-assessments, a site visit by trained CAPRA evaluators, a written report, and a hearing with the CAPRA commission.

The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department stands out as one of only 231 accredited agencies. It joins the ranks of thirteen other accredited agencies in Colorado, emphasizing its leadership in the field.

Following reaccreditation, PRCS is required to maintain its high standards through annual reporting, with the next review scheduled for 2030.

For more information about the CAPRA Accreditation Process and its benefits to the community, visit CAPRA, Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies | National Recreation and Park Association.

To learn more about PRCS accreditation, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/CAPRA.