Holly Springs parks department earns national accreditation

Holly Springs Parks and Recreation has earned national accreditation. Fewer than 2% of park and recreation agencies in the U.S. hold it, the town said.

The accreditation comes from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, known as CAPRA, and the National Recreation and Park Association. The town announced it in an Oct. 5 news release.

What it took

The department spent two years on the process. It showed 100% compliance with 154 national standards, the release said. They cover operations, management, safety and community service.

The town listed what the review required:

• self-assessments
• formal policy updates
• written standard operating procedures
• staff training in best practices
• a site visit by a peer review team
• a final hearing before the CAPRA commission

“Earning national accreditation is a significant organizational honor, but at the end of the day, it’s all about our community,” Parks and Recreation Director LeeAnn Plumer said in the release. “It guarantees that when residents enjoy our parks and programs, they’re getting top-tier service, safety, and experiences every single time.”

Plumer said accreditation also makes sure taxpayer money is managed efficiently and openly.

How rare it is

The National Recreation and Park Association’s CAPRA page says 222 park and recreation agencies in the U.S. are accredited. Raleigh’s parks department, about 15 miles northeast, was among the agencies newly accredited in 2025.

What it means for you

Nothing changes in what you pay or how you sign up. Accreditation is a check on how the department runs its parks, programs and staff, measured against national standards.

Fall program registration is open now. The town’s fall programs announcement points to the HURRAHS guide, online or at town recreation centers. Our parks and trails guide lists the town’s parks and what each one has.