South Bend Venues Parks & Arts received national recognition for its reaccreditation during the Best of the Best Ceremony at the 2018 Annual National Recreation and Parks Association Conference held in Indianapolis on Sept. 26.

The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies accredits park and recreation agencies for excellence in operation and service. CAPRA accreditation is a five-year cycle that includes a self-assessment report, an on-site visitation, and the commission’s review and decision. To receive accreditation, South Bend Venues Parks & Arts was required to comply with more than 95 percent of the CAPRA standards of excellence.

South Bend was accredited previously in 2007 and 2012. A total of 170 agencies out of the 10,000 recreation and park agencies nationwide have received accreditation.

“It’s an honor to have our team’s work featured and recognized on a national scale,” said Aaron Perri, South Bend Venues Parks & Arts executive director. “It’s a testament to the fact that we are innovating and producing work that is among the best in the country.”