New London - The city's Recreation Department is the first in the state to earn accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies and the National Recreation and Park Association.

It is also one of only three departments in New England to receive the national accreditation.

As part of the accreditation process, the department had to demonstrate compliance with 144 standards and document policies and procedures. The process for accreditation involves self-assessments, a formal application, a site visit by a team of trained visitors that results in a written report, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation. Once accredited, the agency must uphold the standards and is reviewed again in five years.

The distinction was awarded earlier this month to the city in Houston, Texas, during the 2013 NRPA Congress and Exposition.