Clayton Parks Director Patty DeForrest Attains Certified Park and Recreation Executive Designation

parks and recreation director Patty DeForrest has been designated a Certified Park and Recreation Executive by the National Certification Board and the National Recreation and Park Association. The city made the announcement Monday in a news release.

“Patty is a wealth of professional knowledge about recreation and is a great asset to our community and organization,” City Manager Craig Owens stated in the release. “It is fitting that Patty is in the national inaugural class to earn this designation as she is indeed a model for her profession.”

The certification recognizes "advanced skills and competence in professional practice and in providing parks and recreation programs and services," the release states.

To become certified, DeForrest had to hold Certified Park and Recreation Professional certification, meet education and experience requirements, and pass a comprehensive exam.

She received the 2011 Outstanding Recreation Provider award from the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis and recently was elected president of the Missouri Park and Recreation Association Board of Directors.