[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE REGIONAL PARKS FOUNDATION

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Regional Parks Foundation on the 50th anniversary of its founding.
  Since its establishment in 1969, the Regional Parks Foundation has 
supported the East Bay Regional Park District and its community. The 
Foundation serves the vibrant and diverse communities of Northern 
California's East Bay area, including parts of California's Fifth 
Congressional District. The Regional Parks Foundation is deeply 
committed to making parks available and accessible to everyone in our 
community.
  The Regional Parks Foundation works to support universal access to 
parks, promote environmental stewardship, organize and fund educational 
and recreational programs and acquire parklands. The foundation 
provides community education around important legislative initiatives 
that preserve open space, protect our natural resources, and promotes 
park access for under-served populations.
  The Foundation has been instrumental in the environmental education 
and enjoyment of citizens of all ages and abilities. The Regional Parks 
Foundation has sent over 10,000 young people to environmental education 
programs and has funded thousands of other opportunities for seniors, 
veterans, and those living with disabilities. The Foundation has 
fundraised nearly $50 million to support our communities and parks. 
These funds enable the foundation to provide swim lessons, loan out 
safety gear, organize community tree planting, shoreline clean-ups and 
other environmental restoration projects.
  Madam Speaker, the Regional Parks Foundation has been instrumental in 
supporting the betterment and longevity of our open spaces. It is 
therefore fitting and proper that we honor the foundation on the 50th 
anniversary of its founding.

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