Benefits

For the Public


  • Assurance and validation of well-administered services in accord with approved professional practices
  • Potential for external financial support and savings to the public
  • External recognition of a quality governmental service
  • Holds and agency accountable to the public and ensures responsiveness to meet their needs
  • Improves customer and quality services

For the Agency


  • Public and political recognition
  • Increased efficiency and evidence of accountability
  • Answers the question, "How are we doing?" through extensive self evaluation
  • Identifies areas for improvement by comparing an agency against national standards of best practice
  • Enhances staff teamwork and pride by engaging all staff in the process
  • Creates an environment for regular reviews of operations, policies, and procedures and promotes continual improvement
  • Forces written documentation of policies and procedures
The department became the 47th accredited department of the estimated 4,000 parks and recreation departments nationwide and the 1st in New England.