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, lei-
sure 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 life-
lines 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 cre-
ating 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 per-
cent 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 ac-
tivities 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 science- 
based curricula to educate children on nutrition and ac-
tivity, 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 in-
crease 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 maintain-
ing community cohesion and pride; 
Whereas community recreation programs at park and recre-
ation 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 enor-
mous economic value through increased partnership, 
which improves the job base and the economic viability of 
the local economy, including business relocation and ex-
pansion 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 commu-
nities across the United States; 
(2) recognizes and honors the vital contributions of 
employees and volunteers in park and recreation facili-
ties; and 
(3) supports the designation of a ‘‘National Park 
and Recreation Month’’. 
Attest: 
Clerk.