Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces selected to test new CAPRA accreditation standards

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department has been selected by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) as one of ten park agencies nationwide that will test CAPRA’s newly overhauled standards for accreditation. This prestigious selection allows PROS to submit its 2025 reaccreditation application in alignment with the new standards, thereby providing valuable feedback that will influence accreditation standards for all park systems in the nation. Miami-Dade Parks has been recognized as a role model organization by the Florida Sterling Award and is only one of 200 accredited agencies out of 10,000 in the nation.

“I am incredibly proud of Miami-Dade Parks for this prestigious recognition that reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in serving our residents,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “As a proud member of the National Parks System Advisory Board, and a lifelong nature enthusiast, I recognize the critical role parks play in creating a healthier community and environment where people can come together and connect with the beauty of nature. This opportunity allows us to help shape national standards that will benefit park systems across the country for years to come.” 

As one of the premier park systems in the country, Miami-Dade County Parks has a long-standing history of excellence, as evidenced by its multiple CAPRA accreditations. Since its first recognition by CAPRA in 1995, Miami-Dade County Parks has consistently demonstrated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in park and recreation management. The Department received its sixth CAPRA reaccreditation in 2020, meeting 100% of all requirements, a testament to its leadership and sustained excellence.

“Being selected to serve as a test organization for CAPRA’s new standards is both an honor and an opportunity for us to contribute to the future of parks leadership and management nationwide,” said Miami-Dade Parks Director Maria I. Nardi. “This reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional parks and recreation programs that provide for the health, happiness and opportunities for prosperity for everyone in our community.”

CAPRA accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and is a rigorous multi-year process that requires agencies to meet 154 standards representing effective and efficient park and recreation operations. Miami-Dade County Parks has consistently exceeded these standards, earning a distinction for meeting 100% of accreditation requirements in 2020.

Miami-Dade County Parks is not only a leader in park management but also a recipient of numerous accolades, including multiple NRPA National Gold Medal Awards, the 2009 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award, the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award and the 2023 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award. Serving nearly 2.8 million residents, the Department remains committed to excellence in park stewardship conservation and operations, design excellence and health and fitness services to the community.

For more information about CAPRA accreditation and the role of Miami-Dade County Parks in the beta testing process, please visit www.nrpa.org/CAPRA.