H. Res. 288 

In the House of Representatives, U. S., 

July 27, 2009. 

Whereas public parks and recreation systems are dedicated to 

enhancing the quality of life for residents in communities 

around the country through recreation programming, leisure activities, and conservation efforts; 

Whereas parks, recreation activities, and leisure experiences 

provide opportunities for young people to live, grow, and 

develop into contributing members of society; create lifelines and continuous life experience for older members of 

the community; generate opportunities for people to come 

together and experience a sense of community; and pay 

dividends to communities by attracting businesses, jobs, 

and increasing housing value; 

Whereas parks and recreation services play a vital role in creating active and healthy communities, and the majority 

of older adults who visit parks report moderate or high 

levels of physical activity during their visit and 50 percent of older adults who participated in light to moderate 

aerobic park activity report being in a better mood after 

visiting parks; 

Whereas parks and recreation facilities foster a variety of activities that contribute to a healthier United States, such 

as introducing injured military veterans and those with 

physical disabilities to physical activity, mobilizing urban 
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communities to use chronic disease prevention practices, 

working with local school systems to develop sciencebased curricula to educate children on nutrition and activity, connecting children with nature, and combating 

obesity in youth; 

Whereas the creation of places for physical activity, combined 

with information outreach, produced a 48.4 percent increase in the frequency of physical activity; 

Whereas more than 75 percent of Unites States citizens use 

park and recreation facilities to maintain fitness and to 

remain socially interactive, which are critical to maintaining community cohesion and pride; 

Whereas community recreation programs at park and recreation facilities provide children with a safe refuge and a 

place to play, which helps to reduce at-risk behavior such 

as drug use and gang involvement; 

Whereas 69 percent of the Unites States population believes 

in local park and recreation services, which supports the 

idea that such parks and services should be funded by 

taxes and user fees; 

Whereas public parks and recreation facilities create enormous economic value through increased partnership, 

which improves the job base and the economic viability of 

the local economy, including business relocation and expansion in the community and increased tourism; and 

Whereas parks and recreation facilities reduce fuel costs and 

commute times by providing a place close to home to 

relax, exercise, and reduce stress: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
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(1) recognizes the great societal value of parks and 

recreation facilities and their importance in local communities across the United States; 

(2) recognizes and honors the vital contributions of 

employees and volunteers in park and recreation facilities; and 

(3) supports the designation of a ‘‘National Park 

and Recreation Month’’. 

Attest: 

Clerk.