MADISON – The chief administrator for Madison’s recreation activities has worked to receive a valued title in this field.

Kory Alfred, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Madison, has achieved the status of Certified Parks and Recreation Executive or CPRE. He is one of only two people in Alabama to have these credentials.

To prepare for exams, Alfred studied one of the textbooks that the National Parks and Recreation Association had recommended. He prepared for almost a year during the COVID-19 outbreak and took a 150-question test at PSI Testing Center in Huntsville.

A recreation professional must satisfy one of the following requirements to sit for the exam and qualify to become a CPRE:

* Hold a current Certified Park and Recreation Professional or CPRP Certification and have a bachelor’s degree and five years of professional, full-time managerial experience.

* Hold a current CPRP Certification and have a master’s degree or higher and four years of professional, full-time managerial experience.

“The process was a good review of the principles and practices for parks and recreation administration,” Alfred said. “In preparing for the exam, I identified areas which Madison Parks and Recreation does well and areas that need improvement.”

He has compiled 25 years of experience in the parks and recreation field. “Over that period, I’ve worked for six different cities. I have been at the Director level for 23 years and with the City of Madison for 10 years,” Alfred said.

Since he started working in Madison, the city has added several sections of greenways, new ballfield lighting at Palmer Park, Bradford Creek Trailhead and the air-supported structure (dome) at Dublin Park outdoor pool. “We’re currently in the process of developing an addition to Palmer Park, renovation of Three Springs facility into a community center and park and updating Kids Kingdom playground in Dublin Park,” Alfred said.

As Director, Alfred is responsible for overall operations of the recreation department, including budgeting, planning, parks maintenance and aquatics. He also manages Madison Senior Center and MARS transportation program. Currently, 26 full-time and 100 seasonal/part-time employees (depending on time of year) work for Madison Parks and Recreation Department.

Alfred is a native of Burlington, Iowa. He earned a bachelor’s degree in leisure services at the University of Northern Iowa.

“My wife Marty is a hair salon owner and Realtor. We have one child, Brittani, who lives in Los Angeles, Calif.,” he said.

“I enjoy anything to do with sports,” he said. “I golf and travel.”