Alma Rock-Yanochko, Aquatic Center Recreation Supervisor for the City of Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Department, has become the first Palm Coast city employee to earn the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation — a nationally recognized credential awarded by the National Recreation and Park Association.
About the Certification
The CPRP credential is considered the leading certification in the public parks and recreation field. More than 6,500 professionals across the country currently hold it. Earning the designation requires candidates to meet the NRPA’s education and professional experience benchmarks, pass a rigorous exam that tests knowledge well beyond a typical day-to-day role — covering operations, programming, management, human resources, finance, and community engagement — and complete continuing education to maintain the certification over time.
Rock-Yanochko applied to pursue the certification in March 2025. After months of studying and preparation, she sat for the exam in March 2026 at Florida State College in Jacksonville and passed.
Rock-Yanochko’s Career
Rock-Yanochko’s career in parks and recreation spans more than 20 years. She began working in the field at age 18 with the U.S. Navy’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program, which provides outdoor activities, campgrounds, and recreation facilities for military service members and their families. She has since worked 13 of those years with the City of Palm Coast.
She credited her colleagues for helping her reach the milestone. “I feel that this certification provides me with the knowledge and skills that are important in our department,” Rock-Yanochko said. “I have learned so much throughout my years with the 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 have supported and studied with me this year.”
Department Response
James Hirst, Director of Parks and Recreation, called the achievement a significant moment for the department. “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,” Hirst said. “We are immensely proud of her success and the example she sets for our entire organization.”
The certification effort has been a team undertaking. Staff members have been 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.
“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.”
