Armed Forces Recreation Society: directorate earns national accreditation.

On Oct. 21, 2003, Morale, Welfare and Recreation became the first military installation of the 47 agencies that achieved national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). The award was announced at the 2003 National Recreation and Park Association Congress & Exposition.

The process of accreditation is extensive, and took several years to accomplish. The initial application is followed by an agency "self-assessment." A team of certified park and recreation professionals and experienced citizen-board members then visited MWR Fort Monmouth. The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies conducted final review of the visitation report and of the agency's self assessment. The emphasis of the accreditation is on addressing 155 standards that are elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.

Glen Perlakowski, Director of MWR, and his dedicated CAPRA team members, attended the commission hearing on Oct. 21, 2003, in St. Louis, Miss., and was notified that Fort Monmouth MWR had received accreditation. Perlakowski said the journey to accreditation had improved the quality of the installation's recreational processes, facilities, operations and services and resulted in closer staff teamwork.

The commission is comprised of representatives from NRPA, the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials.

CAPRA offers annual training sessions for agencies that would like to explore future agency accreditation. Information describing the accreditation process and standards is available form Michelle Herrera, CPRP, Assistant Director of Education and Training, National Recreation and Park Association, 22377 Belmont Ridge, Road, Ashburn, Virginia 20148; [phone]; or [e-mail].

Colorado: Aurora Manager Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Lori Daniel has served the city of Aurora for more than 30 years, with the majority of that time as manager of the Recreation Services Division. Under her leadership, a multitude of recreation programs have been developed and expanded and numerous sports facilities have been constructed, including Beck Recreation Center pool and gym, Meadowood Recreation Center and Gymnastics Center, Olympic and Horseshoe softball complexes, and the Aurora Reservoir. She has also lead the renovation of Utah Pool, which was converted to an indoor pool; Utah Tennis Complex; and the addition of a water slide at Del Mar Pool. The Aurora Sports Park, roller hockey, preschool sports, gymnastics, senior sports programs and sports for people with disabilities have all been added under Daniel's leadership. Sports programs such as tennis, swimming, basketball and softball have increased significantly. Daniel was instrumental in establishing the school joint-use agreements with Cherry Creek School District and with the Aurora Public Schools agreements regarding facility use and program provision. Daniel's unique ability to hire, develop and inspire exceptional staff have guaranteed that the citizens of Aurora have a quality, recreation program.