City of Louisville Earns National Accreditation in Parks and Recreation

LOUISVILLE, CO (October 5, 2026) - Today, the City of Louisville joins the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country and internationally by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded during this year’s NRPA Annual Conference.

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. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services.

As part of the accreditation process, the City of Louisville had to demonstrate compliance with 154 recognized standards and document all policies and procedures. Often the process helps identify efficiencies and heighten areas of accountability, all of which translate into higher quality service and operation to benefit the community.

“I am incredibly proud of the PROS team, City of Louisville employees, and our community for reaching this milestone,” Parks, Recreation and Open Space Director Adam Blackmore said. “Fewer than 3% of parks and recreation agencies nationwide have earned CAPRA accreditation, making it the gold standard for parks and recreation operations. This achievement reaffirms that Louisville is operating at the highest levels of service and administration and reflects our commitment to serving our community with integrity, passion, and excellence.”

The process for accreditation involves a formal application, self-assessments, review, and visit by a team of trained volunteers that results in a written report, and a hearing with the Commission to grant accreditation.

The Commission is comprised of representatives from NRPA, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the International City/County Management Association, The Academy for Leisure Sciences, the Armed Forces Recreation Network, the Council of State Executive Directors, The National Recreation and Park Ethnic Minority Society, The National Association of State Park Directors, and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.

For more information about CAPRA accreditation, visit nrpa.org/CAPRA.

To learn more about NRPA, visit nrpa.org.

About the City of Louisville

The City of Louisville is a home-rule municipality of approximately 21,000 residents in Boulder County, Colorado, located between Boulder and Denver along the U.S. 36 corridor. Established in 1878, Louisville is known for its historic downtown, extensive parks and open space, connected trail system, and strong sense of community.

The City provides a full range of municipal services, including public safety, water and wastewater, streets, planning and development, library services, and nationally accredited parks and recreation services. Louisville’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department manages 34 parks, nearly 2,000 acres of protected open space, more than 32 miles of trails, a 110,000-square-foot Recreation & Senior Center, and Coal Creek Golf Course. Through recreation, conservation and stewardship, the department provides opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, connect with nature and one another, and enjoy the places that make Louisville unique. Learn more at LouisvilleCo.gov.

About the National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 68,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and supporters — the catalysts for positive change in service of parks for all, environmental resilience, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.

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