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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-014-08 Clfll-!lJgton REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE June 2,2008 Resolution #:~Ofl,3--c;~_~()<l. Date: Report #: CSD-014-08 File#: By-law #: Subject: JUNE IS RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report CSD-014-08 be received; and 2. THAT the month of June 2008 be proclaimed Recreation and Parks Month. /"\, /J () ',~ Reviewed by:U~~ Franklin Wu Chief Administrative Officer JPC/SMllEM/jm CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOW MANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1 C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-5506 REPORT NO.: CSD-014..oS PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 Throughout the month of June, many municipalities across Ontario will celebrate the benefits and values of recreation in everyday life by recognizing Recreation and Parks Month. 1.2 Recreation and Parks Month is an exciting way to increase awareness of the value and important benefits of recreation and parks to individuals, families and communities. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the success of recreation and parks contributing to the quality of life in Ontario. 1.3 There are many benefits to participating in physical activity and recreational pursuits. Recreation provides personal, social, economic and ecological benefits to our residents, our communities and our Province. These benefits are significant and critical to the vitality of the Municipality of Clarington. 2.0 THE BENEFITS OF PARKS AND RECREATION 2.1 Benefits to Personal Health i) Improving personal health through sport and other forms of physical activity would significantly reduce healthcare costs. ii) A healthy individual is less likely to be sick - saving frequent medical visits, additional costs and absenteeism from the workplace. iii) Recreation provides an ideal opportunity to explore and develop a full range of abilities. iv) Sport participation develops a wide range of skills and attitudes, including teamwork, leadership, problem solving, decision making, communications, personal management and administrative skills. 2.2 Benefits to Communities i) Parks and recreation opportunities are essential for strengthening and maintaining a healthy community. Positive impacts are evident throughout the community. Recreation brings neighbours together, encourages safer, cleaner neighbourhoods and creates a livelier community atmosphere. Parks and recreational facilities also help improve a community's image, socioeconomic status and enhance the area's desirability. ii) Sport improves social cohesion. Sport participants experience a high degree of interaction with other individuals, which improves interpersonal relationships, establishes the basis for trust and builds teamwork skills that generate gains in social cohesion. REPORT NO.: CSD-014-08 PAGE 3 iii) Recreation reduces self-destructive behaviour and negative social activity in youth. iv) Recreation promotes social bonds by uniting families, building cultural tolerance and supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities. v) Recreation reduces isolation, loneliness and alienation. 2.3 Benefits to the Environment i) Open space, parks and recreation areas are ideal mediums for encouraging and developing stronger stewardship of the land. People who enjoy outdoor recreation become more familiar with natural resources and the environment. ii) Park lands and outdoor recreation facilities in county. city, regional and provincial parks provide exceptional learning opportunities for students. 2.4 Benefits to the Economy i) Household spending on sport has a significant impact on the Canadian economy; sport supports about two percent of the jobs in Canada. ii) Parks, open space and land conservation increase the value of nearby properties. attract businesses and employees in search of a high quality of life, attract tourists and boost recreational spending. iii) Parks and open spaces reduce obesity and health care costs by supporting exercise and recreation. 3.0 COMMENTS 3.1 During the month of June, the Community Services Department will be celebrating Recreation and Parks Month, and promoting the theme of . "Live it everyday!" Regardless of how you define "recreation", it is important to recognize the benefits recreation provides. 3.2 To encourage community participation, a variety of community events and special promotions will be offered throughout the municipality during the month of June. A full event listing will be available at all community centres as well as at www.c1arinqton.net . Attachment #1- Municipal Proclamation CSD-OI4-08 Attachment #1 MUNICIPAL PROCLAMATION June is Recreation and Parks Month WHEREAS, in the Municipality of Clarington, we are fortunate to have a variety of recreation and parks systems providing countless recreational opportunities for residents and visitors from around the world; and WHEREAS, recreation enhances quality of life, balanced living and lifelong learning; helps people live happier and longer; develops skills and positive self image in children and youth; develops creativity; and builds healthy bodies and positive lifestyles; and WHEREAS, recreational participation builds family unity and social capital; strengthens volunteer and community development; enhances social interaction; creates community pride and vitality; and promotes sensitivity and understanding to cultural diversity; and WHEREAS, parks, open space and trails provide active and passive outdoor recreation opportunities, help maintain clean air and water; and promotes stewardship of the natural enviromnent; and WHEREAS, recreation, therapeutic recreation and leisure education are essential to the rehabilitation of individuals who have become ill or disabled, or disadvantaged, or who have demonstrated anti-social behavior; and WHEREAS, the benefits provided by recreation programs, services and parks, and open space, reduce healthcare and social service costs; serve to boost the economy, economic renewal and sustainability; enhance property values; attract new business; increase tourism; and curb employee absenteeism; and WHEREAS, all levels of government, the voluntary sector and private enterprise throughout the Province participate in the planning, development and operation of recreation and parks program, services and facilities; and WHEREAS, Ontario has proclaimed that June, which witnesses the greening of Ontario and serves as a significant gateway to family activities, be designated as Recreation and Parks Month, which will annually recognize and celebrate the benefits derived year round from quality public and private recreation and parks resources at the local, regional and provincial levels: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Council ofthe Municipality of Clarington, in recognition of the benefits and values of Recreation and Parks, does hereby proclaim the month of June as Recreation and Parks Month.