10/22/2026
The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) has once again joined the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the nation and internationally, earning accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This marks PRCS’s second time achieving accreditation and reflects a perfect score meeting all 154 standards. PRCS first attained accreditation in 2021.
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 distinguished accomplishment was awarded during this year’s NRPA Annual Conference held earlier this month in Philadelphia, PA.
To earn reaccreditation, PRCS had to show it meets national standards in areas such as staffing, programs, safety, community engagement and risk management. The process helps the department find ways to work more efficiently, improve internal communication and accountability, and better align its work with what the community needs, which results in stronger programs, enhanced facility safety and better service for Loudoun County.
CAPRA standards also require strict adherence to data-driven, long-term master planning. For Loudoun County, this means that the department’s growing network of centers, parks and programs are designed intentionally and consistently to match long-term community needs. PRCS has continued to improve and grow in several key areas, including staff training, customer feedback through the Tell Us More platform, and recreational program planning. These efforts are supported by CAPRA and reflect the agency’s mission to connect all communities through exceptional people, parks and programs.
“Reaccreditation is an achievement earned by very few parks and recreation departments. It reflects the strong commitment of both departmental staff and Loudoun County Administration to excellence in all areas of public service. We remain dedicated to building the best possible community for Loudoun County’s residents and visitors by upholding these standards and providing essential services that strengthen connections, promote wellness, and enhance quality of life for all,” said Steve Torpy, Director of Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services.
To maintain accredited status, agencies are required to complete an annual report and demonstrate full compliance with all standards every five years. The process involves a formal application, self-assessments, review, and a visit by a team of trained volunteers. When completed successfully, it results in the Commission granting reaccreditation.
PRCS is one of only 14 CAPRA accredited agencies among more than 120 parks and recreation departments in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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.
