[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 113 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H4481-H4482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING PARK 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 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

[[Page H4482]]

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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