The National Recreation and Park Association accredited the city of Surprise’s Community & Recreation Services Department for its work in providing high-quality parks and recreation services.

The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) recently granted a five-year accreditation to the Community & Recreation Services Department. To receive the accreditation, the department went through a 14-month process, which included meeting over 140 standards involving hiring practices, marketing techniques and park planning and program implementation, according to a press release.

“The accreditation stamp reaffirms that we are among premier agencies in the country,” Donna Miller, the city’s Community & Recreation Services director, said in the release. “We have proven that our department follows proper practices and procedures in the administration of our parks, facilities and programs.”

According to the city, the accreditation process also involved a self-assessment study and an on-site visit by a CAPRA peer review visitation team. The team spent three days conducting an evaluation based on the department’s operation and administrative practices.

“The best part of this process is that all of the staff was involved, which provides ownership and pride in the programs and services in which they offer to the residents,” Miller said.