BREC is the agency that connects people to parks and nature in East Baton Rouge Parish. It is a political subdivision of the state of Louisiana created in 1946 to develop, maintain and operate public park and recreational facilities. Throughout its 70-year history, BREC has taken seriously its responsibility to improve the health, safety, environment and quality of life for all citizens. BREC was among the first park agencies to earn national accreditation and recently earned reaccreditation for an unprecedented fifth time, meeting all 144 standards. BREC is a two-time National Gold Medal Award winner and 13-time national finalist. BREC has more than 170 parks including a unique mix of facilities, which mirror the history and rich natural resources in the region; including a state-of-the-art observatory, a swamp nature center and conservation areas, a performing arts theatre, an equestrian park, an art gallery, an arboretum, an accredited zoo, seven golf courses and an extreme sports park with a 30,000-foot concrete skate park, rock-climbing wall, BMX track and velodrome. Since 2004, BREC has constructed twelve community parks, five dog parks, a family-sized Aquatics Center, a growing trails system, fishing ponds, larger playgrounds and procured two mobile recreation units to serve play deserts in the area. The combination of new and renovated facilities, innovative programming and careful attention to community needs help BREC fulfill its mission to contribute to a healthier, more vibrant community by providing exceptional parks, open spaces and recreation experiences for all of East Baton Rouge Parish.