Parks and recreation departments are more than just green spaces and gyms – they are the heartbeat of communities. From summer camps to youth sports, recreation centers to after-school programs, these organizations foster inclusion, learning, and well-being. But behind every soccer practice or swim class lies a critical responsibility: ensuring the safety of every participant, volunteer, and staff member.
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has developed standards and best practices to help agencies meet that responsibility. And at the center of those guidelines is background screening – a process that not only reduces risk but also strengthens public trust.
When families sign their kids up for a sports league or community camp, they expect more than fun — they expect safety. NRPA makes it clear that creating safe spaces is a non-negotiable standard, not an optional add-on.
According to NRPA’s Safe Routes to Parks Action Framework, public confidence in safety directly affects participation. Communities are more likely to invest time, money, and trust in programs where safety protocols are visible and reliable.
By prioritizing background screening, agencies show that they are not only compliant but also committed to protecting the populations they serve.
Related: The ROI of Continuous Monitoring: Catching Risk Before It Costs You
The risks faced by parks and rec agencies differ from traditional workplaces. Staff and volunteers are often working directly with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities – groups considered vulnerable under most state and federal laws.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that environments without structured safeguards are more prone to abuse or neglect. For parks and rec, robust background checks serve as the first line of defense.
NRPA urges agencies to adopt a comprehensive and ongoing screening program. This means moving beyond a one-time background check at the point of hire or volunteer onboarding.
Recommended components include:
The National Council of Youth Sports also highlights the importance of recurring checks, noting that risk management is an evolving responsibility.
For many departments, particularly smaller ones, keeping up with screening requirements feels daunting. Budgets are tight, staff are stretched thin, and manual processes can create bottlenecks.
That’s where technology simplifies compliance:
Together, these tools reduce administrative burden while reinforcing a culture of accountability and safety.
Learn more: NRPA – Youth Sports Safety Policies
The consequences of overlooking screening are significant. Beyond reputational damage, agencies may face lawsuits, funding losses, or worse – a tragic incident that could have been prevented.
The U.S. Department of Justice notes that organizations working with vulnerable populations have heightened obligations to vet staff and volunteers. Even a single oversight can erode decades of community trust.
Financially, the cost is steep as well. According to Investopedia, a bad hire can cost up to 30% of that individual’s first-year salary. For tax-funded parks and rec programs, these losses hurt not just the department but the entire community.
While compliance is critical, background screening is about more than meeting standards. It’s about creating a culture where participants, families, and staff feel safe.
Research from Gallup shows that trust and security directly impact engagement and retention. Parks and rec agencies that embrace background screening as a cultural priority – not just a compliance checkbox – foster stronger, more resilient communities.
Meeting NRPA standards is about more than avoiding risk. It’s about protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening public confidence, and ensuring programs thrive for years to come.
By embracing comprehensive screening and leveraging tools like Chex365 and Chexpass, parks and recreation leaders can meet – and exceed – NRPA guidelines while reinforcing their most important promise: to provide safe, welcoming spaces for all.
Ready to raise the bar in your parks and rec programs? Book a demo with Bchex today.