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.