Public parks are more than green space – they're the backdrop for community connection, recreation and lifelong memories. From tee-ball games and summer camps to outdoor concerts and yoga in the park, these shared spaces bring people together. But behind every successful program is one critical factor: safety.

Enter background checks. Not exactly the flashiest topic at the next staff meeting, but when done well, they’re the unsung heroes of a safe, thriving parks and recreation environment.

Why Screening Matters in Parks and Recreation

The parks and recreation world is filled with people who care – staff, volunteers, coaches and camp counselors who dedicate their time to enriching the lives of others. But not everyone who applies to work or volunteer in public spaces should automatically be cleared to serve.

Background checks help answer a simple but powerful question: Is this person safe to be around the people we serve?

This is especially important because parks often cater to vulnerable populations - children, older adults and individuals with disabilities. In many states, conducting background checks isn’t just best practice – it’s a legal requirement. Even where it's not mandatory, it's a responsible move that shows your department is committed to community well-being. Check out these screening tips for parks and recreation agencies to learn how you can screen smarter.

When screening is skipped or inconsistently applied, the risks grow. Incidents involving unvetted individuals can erode community trust, put visitors at risk, and create major liability issues. On the flip side, a robust screening process signals to the public: we’ve got your back. 

A Partnership Built on Purpose

At Bchex, we’re proud to be the background screening affinity partner of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Our shared mission is simple: to make parks safer and park and recreation professionals' lives easier. We know you already wear a dozen hats – compliance officer, program director, community builder – so we’re here to help make at least one of those roles smoother.

Our partnership means NRPA members get access to streamlined background screening tools tailored specifically to the recreation field. That includes everything from checking criminal history to verifying identity, all on a user-friendly platform designed with flexibility in mind.

Want to learn more about how some of our platforms work? Check out Secure Volunteer, a self-serve volunteer screening solution made just for departments like yours.

Moving Beyond the One-and-Done Approach

Background checks aren’t a one-and-done task. People’s circumstances change, and one clean report doesn’t guarantee a clean record forever. That’s where continuous monitoring comes in – a feature that alerts departments if an individual’s criminal status changes over time.

While not every department needs it, continuous monitoring is becoming an increasingly common way to stay proactive without having to rescreen everyone constantly.

Curious about what it looks like in practice? This overview on proactive screening dives deeper.

Tech Makes It Easier (We Promise)

Technology should make your life easier – not harder. From registration tools to facility scheduling software, parks and rec departments are increasingly embracing digital solutions, and background checks should be no different.

Platforms like ours integrate easily with your existing workflows, letting you screen applicants, track results, and manage documentation without needing to chase down emails or paper forms.

If tech talk sounds intimidating, don’t worry – we’re here to make it as painless as possible. This article on digital screening explains how agencies are modernizing their approach.

Compliance Without the Headaches

Let’s be honest: navigating background screening laws isn’t anyone’s favorite part of the job. They vary by state and program type and seem to change just when you think you’ve figured them out.

That’s why we offer built-in compliance tools and support to help you stay ahead. You’ll know when someone needs to be re-screened, what records matter most, and how to store documentation securely.

Need help drafting or updating your department’s screening policy? NRPA has a great guide to get you started: Avoid Gaps in your Background Screening: Five Things You Need to Know.

Let’s Keep Building Safe Communities – Together

We know background checks aren’t the most thrilling part of running a park or organizing a youth sports league. But they’re one of the most important. They provide the peace of mind that allows families to confidently send their kids to camp, attend community events, or volunteer at a local trail cleanup.

Bchex is honored to partner with NRPA and its members to support safe, inclusive spaces across the country. We see this as more than a vendor relationship – it’s a shared commitment to community safety.

Have a question about screening or want to swap ideas on what’s working in your department? Let’s connect. Visit bchex.io or find us on LinkedIn.

Emma Baucom is a marketing specialist at Bchex.