[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 19405]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL PARK AND RECREATION MONTH

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 288) recognizing the importance of park and 
recreation facilities and expressing support for the designation of the 
month of July as ``National Park and Recreation Month''.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 288

       Whereas public parks and recreation systems are dedicated 
     to enhancing the quality of life for residents in communities 
     around the country through recreation programming, leisure 
     activities, and conservation efforts;
       Whereas parks, recreation activities, and leisure 
     experiences provide opportunities for young people to live, 
     grow, and develop into contributing members of society; 
     create lifelines and continuous life experience for older 
     members of the community; generate opportunities for people 
     to come together and experience a sense of community; and pay 
     dividends to communities by attracting businesses, jobs, and 
     increasing housing value;
       Whereas parks and recreation services play a vital role in 
     creating active and healthy communities, and the majority of 
     older adults who visit parks report moderate or high levels 
     of physical activity during their visit and 50 percent of 
     older adults who participated in light to moderate aerobic 
     park activity report being in a better mood after visiting 
     parks;
       Whereas parks and recreation facilities foster a variety of 
     activities that contribute to a healthier United States, such 
     as introducing injured military veterans and those with 
     physical disabilities to physical activity, mobilizing urban 
     communities to use chronic disease prevention practices, 
     working with local school systems to develop science-based 
     curricula to educate children on nutrition and activity, 
     connecting children with nature, and combating obesity in 
     youth;
       Whereas the creation of places for physical activity, 
     combined with information outreach, produced a 48.4 percent 
     increase in the frequency of physical activity;
       Whereas more than 75 percent of United States citizens use 
     park and recreation facilities to maintain fitness and to 
     remain socially interactive, which are critical to 
     maintaining community cohesion and pride;
       Whereas community recreation programs at park and 
     recreation facilities provide children with a safe refuge and 
     a place to play, which helps to reduce at-risk behavior such 
     as drug use and gang involvement;
       Whereas 69 percent of the United States population believes 
     in local park and recreation services, which supports the 
     idea that such parks and services should be funded by taxes 
     and user fees;
       Whereas public parks and recreation facilities create 
     enormous economic value through increased partnership, which 
     improves the job base and the economic viability of the local 
     economy, including business relocation and expansion in the 
     community and increased tourism; and
       Whereas parks and recreation facilities reduce fuel costs 
     and commute times by providing a place close to home to 
     relax, exercise, and reduce stress: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the great societal value of parks and 
     recreation facilities and their importance in local 
     communities across the United States;
       (2) recognizes and honors the vital contributions of 
     employees and volunteers in park and recreation facilities; 
     and
       (3) supports the designation of a ``National Park and 
     Recreation Month''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Guam (Ms. Bordallo) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Guam.


                             General Leave

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Guam?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 288 was introduced by our colleague 
from Georgia, Representative John Barrow, and would recognize July as 
National Park and Recreation Month. Federal, State, territorial, and 
local parks and recreation facilities across our Nation play a vital 
role in creating healthy communities. They improve our quality of life, 
they keep our children active and safe and connected with nature, and 
they create economic opportunities by attracting businesses and jobs 
and increasing home values.
  House Resolution 288 recognizes the importance of our valued parks 
and recreation facilities by encouraging the designation of a National 
Park and Recreation Month. I commend my colleague, Representative 
Barrow, for his diligent work on this resolution, and I ask my 
colleagues to support the passage of this measure.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution has been adequately explained by the 
gentlewoman from Guam. I would like to add that it is my hope that this 
resolution reminds the American people that public lands are theirs to 
fully enjoy.
  Mr. BARROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 288 designating 
the month of July as ``National Park and Recreation Month''.
  State and local parks and recreation facilities play a vital role in 
stimulating our nation's economy, improving community health and 
wellness, enhancing quality of life, and safeguarding our nation's 
natural resources. The value of state and local parks and recreation 
facilities and their employees is undeniable, and I have no doubt that 
we're all enriched by the wonderful experiences they offer.
  Park and recreation facilities aid in combating obesity and chronic 
disease epidemics; connect children with nature; provide opportunities 
for increased physical activities; and enhance the quality of life for 
injured military servicemembers and those with physical disabilities 
through therapeutic recreation.
  As American families enjoy our summer season, I offer H. Res. 288 as 
a tribute to our state and local parks and their employees and I urge 
my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I again urge Members to support this 
resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 288.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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