Title
To declare July as National Park and Recreation Month and celebrate Columbus Recreation and Parks Department for its role in creating spaces, places and programs where all residents of the City of Columbus can connect with nature, wellness and creativity.
Body
WHEREAS, this Council honors Columbus Recreation and Parks Department for its role in creating spaces, places and programs where all residents of the City of Columbus can connect with nature, wellness and creativity and recognizes July as National Park and Recreation Month; and,
WHEREAS, parks and recreation promotes time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being, and alleviating illnesses such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer's; and
WHEREAS, parks and recreation promote health and wellness, improving the physical and mental wellbeing of our community; and
WHEREAS, parks and recreation encourage physical activities by providing space for sports, hiking, swimming and many other activities that promote active lifestyles; and
WHEREAS, parks and recreation programming and education activities, such as out-of-school time programming, youth sports and environmental education, are critical to childhood development; and
WHEREAS, parks and recreation increases a community’s economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction; and
WHEREAS, parks and recreation is fundamental in preserving and protecting our environment to address the effects of climate change and regional growth; and
WHEREAS, our parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. House of Representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month; and
WHEREAS, Columbus Recreation and Parks Department has positively impact on our community since July 15, 1910; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: that we recognize July as Park and Recreation Month and we honor Columbus Recreation and Parks Department for its role in improving the quality of life in Columbus by creating spaces, places and programs where all residents of the City of Columbus can connect with nature, wellness and creativity.