Recognizing Park and Recreation Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize July as Park and Recreation Month.

It is a fitting month to celebrate, as many Americans visit our Federal, State, and local public parks and recreation systems this summer.

As a lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania, an avid outdoorsman, and a former recreational therapist, I strongly support our Nation's parks and recreation facilities. Our parks provide countless recreational and educational opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy the outdoors.

This month recognizes the important role these parks and public facilities play in the lives of Americans and the contributions of employees who work every day to maintain public parks across the Nation.

Our parks create opportunities for people to come together and experience a sense of community. They contribute to local economies by attracting businesses, jobs, and increasing housing values. Ninety percent of people in the United States agree that public park recreation facilities and activities are important government services. This support spans across all people in the country regardless of race, income, or political affiliation.

Nearly 75 percent of Americans agree it is important to ensure all members of their community have equitable access to public parks and recreation facilities. In the United States, local public park and recreation agencies generated nearly $201 billion in economic activity and supported almost 1.1 million jobs.

The most economically sound areas are those with ample public park and recreation facilities and activities. A key factor in business expansion and location decisions is the quality of life for employees, with a premium placed on adequate and accessible public parks and open space.

Mr. Speaker, public parks and recreational facilities foster a variety of activities that contribute to a healthier society. Americans living within a 10-minute walk of a park have higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity. People who use public parks and open spaces are three times more likely to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity than nonusers.

Recreation programs at public parks provide children with a safe place to play, access to healthy foods, opportunities to be physically active, and enrichment facilities that help prevent at-risk behavior such as drug use and gang involvement.

Over the summer, many Americans will visit public parks and recreation facilities to spend time outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors. We are blessed with beautiful outdoor facilities. It is my hope that all Americans get out and enjoy the parks in their areas.

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