This reprint is taken from an e-mail circulated by the NRPA.

Urgent Action Needed to Designate July as Park and Recreation Month!

Representatives John Barrow (D-GA) and Glenn Thompson (R-PA) have introduced a resolution (H.R. 288) in the House of Representatives that would designate July as Park and Recreation Month. They hope to bring the resolution to the floor for a vote the first week in July; however, before that can occur, more co-sponsors must be secured.  It is imperative that park and recreation advocates call their Representatives and request that they sign on as co-sponsors of the bill.

Your Action is Needed!

Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to your Representative’s office. Once connected to the office, ask to speak to the staff person who handles natural resource issues.  Share with them the Dear Colleague letter  (http://www.nrpa.org/content/default.aspx?documentId=9121) being circulated by Representative Barrow. Representatives who are interested in becoming co-sponsors should contact Brandon Webb  (mailto:brandon.webb@mail.house.gov) in Representative Barrow’s office or at (202) 225-2823 prior to close of business on June 26, 2009.

Current co-sponsors include Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Chet Edwards ( D-TX), Michael Honda (D-CA), and Betsy Markey (D-CO).  If your Representative has signed on as a co-sponsor, please call them and thank them for doing so.

Talking Points:

Park and recreation facilities make communities desirable places to live, work, play, and visit, thereby contributing to the ongoing economic vitality of communities throughout our country.

Programming provided through park and recreation agencies combats the national obesity epidemic through the development of healthy lifestyles, strong minds, and fit bodies.

Park and recreation activities help to deter crime and help our youth develop into contributing members of our communities.

Park and recreation experiences help older members of our community continue their life experiences.

Parks, greenways, and open spaces are critical components to protecting and preserving our natural environment.

Help us continue our advocacy work in Washington! Please contact Stacey Pine  (mailto:spine@nrpa.org)  and tell her about the communications you have with Congressional staff on this issue.