PCR Employee Earns National Certification

PRESS RELEASE

PCR Employee Earns National Certification for Parks & Recreation

Unalaska, Alaska, September 07 , 2015 – Albert Burnham, Recreation Manager for the City of Unalaska Department of Parks, Culture and Recreation, was recently became a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) by the National Certification Board (NCB) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). 

The CPRP certification is granted to individuals employed in the recreation, park resources, and leisure services professions who meet the eligibility requirements—including a combination of higher education and/or work experience – and who successfully complete the national CPRP examination.  The examination tests knowledge in all aspects of general administration, programming, and operations management for parks and recreation.  CPRP certifications are valid for a period of two years, and professionals who wish to re-apply are required to complete a professional continuing education unit requirements or equivalent academic course work.  Individuals certified as CPRPs meet high standards of education, expertise and experience established in the field for park and recreation professionals, and many agencies recommend or require CPRP certification when hiring for professional positions.

Burnham was hired with PCR in October 2009. He worked as a Recreation Coordinator over Leisure Activities and Teen Programming before transitioning to Recreation Coordinator over Special Events and Public Relations.  Burnham was promoted to the Operations Manager position within the department in February 2014 and then Recreation Manager in September 2015. Burnham was elected to the Alaska Recreation and Park Association (ARPA) Board of Directors last fall and has been a regular presenter at the Annual ARPA Conferences.  Burnham is a graduate of Frostburg State University in Maryland where he holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Parks and Recreation Management and Philosophy.

“Our goal as recreation professionals in Unalaska is to bring the citizens of our community the same recreational opportunities and professionalism they may see in any Lower 48 community.  Albert is now one of five recreation professionals in the State of Alaska to become CPRP.  This accomplishment is in line with PCR’s overall vision of being the most highly recognized small town parks and recreation departments in the country.”  D. Tyrell McGirt, PCR Director. 

The CPRP program is offered by NCB in coordination with NRPA and the CPRP Certification Committee.  NRPA is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people.  Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.