This news item expired on Saturday, November 26, 2022 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Mac Stanley of Buncombe County Recreation Services recently completed requirements to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). He earned this credential by demonstrating mastery in the areas of communication, finance, human resources, operations, and programming. He joins an elite group of over 6,400 colleagues who have committed to advancing the field of public recreation and building accountability within the profession.
While the overall process was spread out over three months, Mac studied and took practice tests for an additional two months. He says he felt nervous going heading in, but his confidence came back as he was taking the test. He was so nervous, he arrived at the test with only a temporary paper license, and they would not accept it as a form of ID. He had to drive all the way home and back within thirty minutes (and we all know what Asheville traffic is like). “This obviously added to my nervousness, but long story short, I made it back in time and aced the test,” says Mac.
The CPRP requirements include a standard number of years in the field and a comprehensive exam that covers all areas of parks and recreation. Continuing Education Credits are required to maintain the certification and must be earned through a combination of educational opportunities, speaking at conferences, writing for publications, and doing research. To maintain this certification Mac will have to have a minimum of 2.0 CEU (continuing education units) accrued in a two-year span. “This may be one of the exciting parts as I get to broaden my knowledge in the recreation field while keeping up my certification,” says Mac. “In coordination with that I also plan to stay informed within the community of Recreation Professionals.”
In addition to receiving his CPRP certification, Mac also recently completed his Certified Playground Safety Inspection (CPSI) certification. The CPSI certification program provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on playground safety issues including hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements and risk management methods.
These designations are overseen by the National Recreation and Park Association, the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, healthy, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.
Receiving both certifications is an outstanding achievement, and we hope you will join us in congratulating Mac in the comments below.