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DATE: October 13, 2014 NEWS FROM: City of Farmington Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs 901 Fairgrounds Rd, Farmington, NM www.fmtn.org/prca FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Farmington, New Mexico, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Earns National Accreditation! City of Farmington Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs is 1st accredited agency in New Mexico! Only 135 agencies nationwide recognized The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) is an on-going process that recognizes park and recreation agencies for excellence in operation and service Highest level of industry standard achieved The City of Farmington, NM, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) has been accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). Farmington’s PRCA is the first and only parks and recreation agency in New Mexico to earn this award! Only 135 out of more than 10,000 park and recreation agencies nationwide have achieved this level of excellence. This distinguished accomplishment was announced Monday, October 13 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time during the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Congress and Exposition in Charlotte, NC. “This peer reviewed, certification process assures our citizens that Farmington’s parks and recreation system is managed to best practices found throughout the country” said Cory Styron, director of Farmington’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs. “Our citizens and visitors have known that we have a world class Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department in Farmington. We are now able to validate that claim by joining a rare and prestigious club of professionally distinguished agencies in the nation. This was a team effort to complete the self assessment which is a great source of pride among staff.” Jay Hart, President of New Mexico Recreation and Parks Association said, “This is a proud moment for all of New Mexico to see one of their own become the state’s first ever NRPA Accredited Parks and Recreation Program. The Farmington Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department will be the inspiration for other New Mexico parks and recreation programs to follow in their footsteps. Congratulations to Farmington, NM for being recognized as one of the top parks and recreation programs in the country. Farmington, NM rocks!” The City of Farmington has an estimated 46,815 residents, so a park system of this magnitude is a massive accomplishment as well as a tremendous responsibility. It should also be recognized that Farmington’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs system provides facilities and activities far beyond the city boundaries. Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. National accreditation through CAPRA is an extensive multi- year process that requires agencies to meet 144 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations. Accredited agencies must fully meet 36 standards deemed fundamental to a quality agency and at least 108 remaining standards necessary for achieving excellence in operations and service. Accreditation is valid for five years. Farmington’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs met 142 of the total 144 standards listed. The Commission is comprised of representatives from National Recreation and Park Association, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Management Association, the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, the Armed Forces Recreation Society and the Council of State Executive Directors. The City of Farmington was founded in 1901. Little more than 50 years ago, a Parks and Recreation Department was created by the City with less than ten staff members. The oldest parks in Farmington are Jaycee, Brookside, and Orchard Parks. Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs was defined to include (but not be limited to) playgrounds; playfields; indoor recreation; museums; civic and cultural affairs centers; ---PAGE BREAK--- and other parks, recreation, and cultural areas and facilities when owned or controlled by the City. A PRCA Fund and Commission, composed of eleven members, was established in the mid 1980s. Farmington is located in an area of scenic beauty and historical significance. The City’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department is a source of community pride and is responsible for the many parks, recreational facilities, and programs that are important factors in the quality of life in the community. Farmington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit, and do business. SPOTLIGHT ON LEISURE: Did you know that walking 10,000 steps is the approximate equivalent of walking 5 miles?! Walking 5 miles per day can burn an upwards of 300 calories, a reduction of 2100 calories a week! Step out to our parks and get fit! ABOUT PARKS, RECREATION, & CULTURAL AFFAIRS – The vision for the City of Farmington’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) is dedicated to providing the opportunity for citizens to play, to laugh, to grow, to learn and to engage in enriching their quality of life. Our mission is to build a gateway that will enrich our community through exceptional customer focus. We strive to grow a happy, healthy community for all. – END – Jody Carman CITY OF FARMINGTON Marketing and Public Relations, PRCA Department 901 Fairgrounds Rd. Farmington, MN 87401 www.fmtn.org/prca [EMAIL REDACTED] Phone: (505) 599-1484 Fax: (505) 599-1184