Parks and Recreation Receives Perfect Score on Reaccreditation
Published on September 23, 2025
Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation has once again achieved a perfect score during its reaccreditation review by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), reaffirming its status as a leader in excellence among park and recreation organizations nationwide.
CAPRA accreditation is awarded for a five-year period, after which agencies undergo a rigorous reaccreditation process. Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation, first accredited in 2010, also earned a perfect score during its 2020 review.
“This reaccreditation recognition indicates that our Parks and Recreation Department meets high professional standards and demonstrates excellence in service and operational efficiency across all aspects of Parks and Recreation management,” said Don Kearney, Director of Parks and Recreation. “Our department is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Sioux Falls residents by offering top-notch parks, facilities, and recreation programs.”
CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and serves as a benchmark for quality in operations, management, and service delivery. Of the approximately 14,000 park and recreation agencies across the country, only about 1 percent—172 agencies—have earned this prestigious distinction.
The reaccreditation process includes a comprehensive application, self-assessment, a site visit conducted by a team of trained evaluators, and a formal hearing with the Commission before accreditation is granted.