Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Department has once again earned one of the highest honors in its field, receiving national re-accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) during the National Recreation and Park Association’s annual conference held September 15 in Orlando, Florida.
This latest recognition marks another milestone for Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation team, reaffirming its reputation as one of the nation’s leading departments in park management, community programming, and public service. Bloomington remains one of only three parks departments in Indiana and just 213 nationwide to hold this distinguished accreditation — a credential that reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to excellence and accountability.
The department first achieved CAPRA accreditation in 2001 and has since maintained its status through successful re-accreditations in 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021, and now 2025. Each five-year renewal requires the department to undergo a thorough review of its policies, procedures, and programs — a process that goes far beyond paperwork, encompassing the full spectrum of how a parks agency serves its community.
CAPRA accreditation is the only national recognition program for park and recreation agencies, and it represents a comprehensive measure of quality in operations, management, and community engagement. To earn the credential, Bloomington Parks and Recreation demonstrated full compliance with 68 recognized national standards covering everything from public safety and facility management to sustainability, community outreach, and staff development.
“Reaccreditation is more than a mark of distinction. It’s a reflection of our department’s unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Leslie Brinson, Recreation Services Division Director. “CAPRA accreditation demonstrates that we not only hold ourselves to the highest professional standards each day, but also recognize our responsibility to serve the community with integrity, transparency, and exceptional parks and recreation services.”
A COMMUNITY BUILT AROUND ITS PARKS
For Bloomington, parks and recreation are much more than playgrounds and picnic tables — they are the foundation of community well-being. From its extensive network of trails and nature preserves to youth programs, fitness classes, and public events, the department plays an essential role in shaping the city’s quality of life.
Mayor Kerry Thomson praised the department for its deep impact on the community, emphasizing the personal dedication that makes the city’s park system stand out. “This recognition reflects the heart of our Parks and Recreation Department—their dedication to building a community that not only uses our parks, but loves them and takes pride in them,” Thomson said. “Accreditation honors the daily work that often goes unseen: thoughtful design, accessible trails, well-run programs, and the quiet kindness of staff and volunteers who make everyone feel welcome. That’s the real measure of a parks system—how it serves people, every day, in every season.”
The reaccreditation not only highlights Bloomington’s ongoing achievements but also strengthens its future. By meeting CAPRA’s rigorous standards, the department ensures that its programs and facilities continue to evolve with community needs. The process encourages continuous improvement — identifying efficiencies, setting measurable goals, and maintaining the high-quality services that Bloomington residents have come to expect.
THE ROAD TO REACCREDITATION
Achieving national accreditation is no small feat. The process begins with a detailed self-assessment where the department evaluates its operations against CAPRA’s national standards. This stage is followed by a formal site visit from a team of trained volunteer evaluators who review documentation, inspect facilities, and meet with staff and community members. The findings are then compiled into a written report and presented before a CAPRA hearing panel for a final decision.
For Bloomington, this process was as much a learning experience as it was an honor. Each evaluation cycle helps refine internal systems, improve collaboration between divisions, and reaffirm the department’s dedication to transparency and public service.
A NETWORK OF LEADERS IN PARKS AND RECREATION
The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies draws on a wide array of expertise from across the nation. Its members represent major organizations including the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Management Association, and several other professional and academic organizations. Together, they establish the standards that define excellence in public recreation management.
For Bloomington Parks and Recreation, being part of this network means more than recognition — it provides access to national best practices, training, and partnerships that elevate the city’s capacity to innovate and serve.
CONTINUING A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
Bloomington’s continued accreditation underscores a long-standing tradition of strong leadership and forward-thinking community planning. Each park, trail, and recreation program represents years of investment, collaboration, and stewardship — values that the department works to uphold through every accreditation cycle.
In a time when public spaces play an increasingly vital role in mental health, physical wellness, and social connection, the city’s achievement is a reminder of the importance of protecting and enhancing these shared environments. The accreditation not only validates past success but also commits Bloomington to maintaining the same high standards in the years ahead.
For residents, the award may go unnoticed amid their daily walks, bike rides, or community events — yet it ensures that the parks they love remain safe, sustainable, and thoughtfully managed. And for the team behind the scenes, it’s proof that their dedication continues to make Bloomington one of the best places in the nation to live, play, and connect.
For more information about CAPRA and the national accreditation process, visit https://bton.in/XrVXx.
