Marana Parks and Recreation Leadership Achieves National Certification

Published on July 15, 2024

Left to right: Marana Parks & Recreation Deputy Director Wayne Barnett and Director Jim Conroy at the Marana Community & Aquatic Center beam signing ceremony.

MARANA, AZ — Marana Parks & Recreation Director Jim Conroy achieved the prestigious Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) certification this month. This accomplishment highlights the department's commitment to professional development and delivering the highest quality services to the community.

Conroy successfully passed the rigorous three-hour CPRE exam administered by the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA), the leading professional organization for Park and Recreation professionals nationwide. Jim pursued this certification after being inspired by our Deputy Director, Wayne Barnett, who achieved the CPRE certification in the summer of 2022. Conroy chose to take the exam in July in honor of National Parks & Recreation Month.

"Wayne's achievement set a remarkable example for me and for our staff, encouraging a culture of continuous professional growth and certification within our department," said Conroy.

The CPRE certification is the highest professional certification available for Parks and Recreation professionals. It establishes a national standard for managerial, administrative, and executive Parks and Recreation professionals. According to the NRPA, this mastery-level credential focuses on practical knowledge and real-world skills necessary in today's evolving park and recreation environment. Holding this certification demonstrates leadership in all aspects of managing a park and recreation department, including policy development and the management of fiscal, property, and personnel resources.

With both Conroy and Barnett holding the CPRE certification, the Marana Parks and Recreation Department is well-positioned to continue delivering exceptional services and fostering a vibrant, well-managed Parks and Recreation system for the benefit of all Marana residents. This accomplishment, coinciding with National Parks and Recreation Month, brings the number of CPRE-certified professionals in Arizona to nineteen, with approximately 500 certified nationally.

For more information about the CPRE certification and the NRPA, please visit https://www.nrpa.org/certification/cpre/