Socially involved people are 2 to 5 times less likely to suffer heart disease. It costs 100 times more to send a teen to jail than to provide preventative recreation programs. Girls who participate in sports help increase bone density to combat osteoporosis in later life. Investments in waterfronts and open spaces attract new business.
People rank clean air and water most important when rating the best places to live.
Families that recreate together report greater stability and satisfaction. Visits to national, regional, and local parks exceed 1 billion annually. 145,000 kids surveyed felt wildlife preservation tops environmental concerns. 66,000 deaths annually could be prevented through regular physical exercise. Regular volunteer work increases life expectancy more than any other activity.