Our Parks are Poppin’

Less than two percent of parks and recreation agencies in the country are fully accredited, according to a news release from the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. That makes today’s news a big deal: For the first time, the Park Board has received full accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). According to Park Board Chair Sarah McCallister, that means the board has met 151 national standards measuring the quality of its programs and services, and confirms the Park Board’s place as one of the top agencies in the country.

Park Board Chair Sarah Mcallister, left, and Parks Director Bob Belote, right, accept CAPRA certification from CAPRA Commission Chair Sara Hensley, middle | Photo courtesy of Springfield-Greene County Park Board

Excited about the distinction? The Park Board will hold a celebration in Springfield at a later date, which hasn’t yet been announced. In the meantime, get out and celebrate this weekend by checking out a park you’ve never explored. The Park Board holds over 100 parks all over 417-land, which makes it a snap for 417-landers to find their perfect park. Check out this flowchart to decide which park is right for you and your youngsters.