Parks and Rec Employee Achieves Prestigious National Certification

The City of Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce that Aquatic Center Recreation Supervisor Alma Rock-Yanochko has earned the designation of Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), becoming the first employee to obtain this certification while working for the City of Palm Coast.

The CPRP credential, awarded by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is recognized nationwide as the leading certification for public parks and recreation professionals. More than 6,500 professionals across the county hold this certification, which demonstrates mastery of the full breadth of the parks and recreation field, including operations, programming, management, human resources, finance, and community engagement.

The CPRP exam is known for its rigor, requiring extensive knowledge beyond an employee’s day‑to‑day role. To qualify, candidates must meet NRPA’s education and professional experience benchmarks, and successful credential-holders must complete continuing education to maintain certification.

“This accomplishment represents a significant professional milestone,” said James Hirst, Director of Parks and Recreation. “Ally’s achievement reflects not only her personal dedication and commitment to excellence, but also the department’s continued investment in developing highly skilled, service‑focused staff. We are immensely proud of her success and the example she sets for our entire organization.”

Rock‑Yanochko has spent her adult life in the Parks and Rec field. At age 18 she began working with the Navy’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program, which provides military service members and their families with outdoor activities, campgrounds, and recreation facilities. She has since accumulated more than 20 years of experience between the MWR and the Palm Coast Parks Recreation Department, 13 of those with the City.

She applied to pursue the CPRP certification in March 2025. After months of studying, preparation, and scheduling, Rock-Yanochko took the exam in March 2026 at Florida State College in Jacksonville, where she passed with flying colors. 

“I feel that this certification provides me with the knowledge and skills that are important in our department,” said Rock-Yanochko. “I have learned so much throughout my years with City and this certification added to that knowledge in a way that I believe will support my continued professional development. I am grateful to our team who has supported and studied with me this year.”  

The Parks and Recreation leadership team emphasized that Rock‑Yanochko’s certification reflects a shared departmental effort. Staff have been actively supporting one another through study groups, practice sessions, and professional development planning.

At least six additional team members are currently preparing for the CPRP exam, with several expected to test before the end of the fiscal year. The department anticipates more successful certifications in the months ahead.

“This is just the beginning,” Hirst said. “Our department is committed to fostering professional growth and ensuring our team continues to bring nationally recognized expertise to the residents we serve.”

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