[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 29, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H3885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
July as National Park and Recreation Month.
  Our Nation is blessed with a robust park system across the country on 
the Federal, State, and local levels. Summer is a popular time to take 
advantage of all that our parks have to offer.
  The coronavirus pandemic and the shelter-in-place orders that have 
followed have left many of us desperate for fresh air, and as many 
parks begin to reopen, there are plenty of beautiful landscapes and 
outdoor activities to enjoy at parks across the country.
  As a lifelong resident of rural Pennsylvania, an avid outdoorsman, 
and someone who was a former recreational therapist at one point, I 
know firsthand the positive impact that our Nation's parks system can 
have on communities, and I am proud to be a strong supporter.
  My district, Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District, is home to 
countless parks and outdoor recreational facilities, including the Oil 
Region National Heritage Area and the Allegheny National Forest, just 
to name a few.
  This month is an opportunity to underscore the role that parks play 
in our everyday lives and in the fabric of American culture. It is also 
an opportunity to recognize the hard work and contributions of our park 
employees. Our parks give us all an opportunity to connect with the 
nature around us. They create a sense of community, stimulate local 
economies by attracting businesses, jobs, and tourism, and increase the 
quality of life for all residents.
  Mr. Speaker, public parks and recreational facilities foster a 
variety of activities that contribute to a healthier society. There is 
an undeniable connection between parks and public health. Studies show 
that Americans who live within a 10-minute walk of a park see increased 
physical activity and lower obesity rates.
  Recreational programs at public parks provide children with a safe 
place to play, access to healthy foods, opportunities to be physically 
active, and enrichment activities that help prevent at-risk behavior 
such as drug use and gang involvement.
  Just last week, the House passed the Great American Outdoors Act, 
legislation that will ensure our national parks are around for future 
generations to enjoy.
  As summer continues, it is my hope that families across the country 
will find an opportunity to take advantage of our Nation's parks and 
recreation facilities. If considering a visit to one of our national 
parks, visit the National Park Service website at nps.gov to find an 
open park in your community.

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