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Home My WebLink AboutCSD-007-12 UaFftWH REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION Date: May 28, 2012 Resolution#: - °C By=law#: N/A Report#: CSD-007-12 File#: 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-007-12 be received; and 2. THAT the month of June be proclaimed Recreation and Parks Month in the Municipality of Clarington. Submitted by: Reviewed by: Jo ph P. Caruana nklin Wu, Di ector, Community Chief Administrative Officer Services J PC/SM CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-0830 REPORT NO.: CSD-007-12 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 Each June, hundreds of communities across Ontario celebrate Recreation and Parks Month. June is Recreation and Parks Month was launched in 2005 as an initiative of Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO), Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) and Ontario Parks Association (OPA). Since that time the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ontario Public Health Association, Ontario Society of Physical Activity Promoters in Public Health, Ontario Trails Council and the Sport Alliance have also united their efforts to improve the quality of life by promoting the benefits that recreation and parks provide to communities and to Ontario's citizens. 1.2 The goal of Recreation and Parks Month is to increase public awareness of the value and benefits of recreation for individuals, families, neighbourhoods and communities. It is an opportunity to celebrate the success of recreation and parks in contributing to the quality of life in our communities across Ontario. 2.0 BENEFITS OF RECREATION AND PARKS 2.1 There is a great deal of research outlining the benefits of physical activity. If the people in our communities are healthy, happy, and active, the whole community can benefit. 2.2 Participation in both structured and unstructured recreational, sport and cultural activities improves physical, psychological_and emotional health. It can also reduce rates of some types of chronic diseases. Recreation services foster social, intellectual, physical and emotional development. Participation in recreation, sport and cultural activities can reduce self-destructive behaviour and reduce a reliance on other social services. 2.3 Parks, trails, recreation facilities, programs, community cultural and sporting events are key factors in strengthening communities through social interaction, volunteerism, civic pride and aesthetics. 2.4 Recreation increases cultural unity through experiences that promote cultural understanding and celebrate diversity. Equitable access to recreation for all citizens also fosters inclusive and vibrant communities. 3.0 RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH IN CLARINGTON 3.1 During the month of June, the Community Services Department will be celebrating Recreation and Parks Month, encouraging families to get active together. Regardless of how you define "recreation", it is important to recognize the benefits recreation provides. REPORT NO.: CSD-007-12 PAGE 3 3.2 To encourage greater community participation in local programs and events, the Community Services Department is offering a variety of free or low-cost activities in June to celebrate Recreation and Parks Month. Throughout the month of June staff will be visiting local parks on a Neighbourhood Family Fitness Tour (Attachment 1). The tour will reach out to residents in their neighbourhoods providing fun, interactive activities that are low or no cost and require little or no equipment. The tour is a pilot project that in future years can be expanded to include additional park locations. 4.0 COMMENTS 4.1 The Proclamation (Attachment 2) has been developed by Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO). PRO is requesting municipal Councils show their support for Recreation and Parks by proclaiming June as Recreation and Parks Month. 4.2 Recreation, through physical, social and artistic expression, provides opportunities for individuals to improve their health and wellness, socialize and interact with others, learn new skills, have fun and find balance in their lives. In particular, physical activity and stress reduction are two health issues that researchers identify as benefits of local parks and recreation to public health. Attachment 1 — Neighbourhood Family Fitness Tour postcard Attachment 2 — June is Recreation and Parks Month Proclamation Attachment 1 to Report CSD-007-12 i �<j Claawgima N�( ;RECREATION ;& PARKS 'MONTH* NEIGHBOURHOOD PARKS` 1ARK, YC FAMILY 17 7O CILATIES The Municipality of Clarington Community Services Department Staff will tour various Clarington Parks throughout the month of June to provide fun ways to play and be active as a family in celebration of June is Recreation&Parks Month! (jro for FREE fitness i a t)OVite � FRS Dg r EVERY at the c ys TVESppY Training pacilFffnessity ti Irk Jun ' VERY FRIDAY in J e un c ; - . 7.B:OOpm FREE R •Fitness at the Courtice Fitness Training Facility �r r Join us for fun,games ge$ 'Squash at the Clarington Fitness Centre-Bowmanvil and refreshments! fO�a" aJ (squash courts must be Pre-booked) le •Group Fitness Classes at the Courtice Community Wal►bridge Park Blass St,S. + (Newcastle Public School Complex Guildwood park 1ao Buildwood Dr.,eowmanville ) Mon.June a and the Newcastle&District Recreation Co (call for class schedule) Roswell Park 132 Thurs.June 7 Roswell Dr.,Courtice r T Pearce Farm Park 260 Shipway Ave.(Port of Newcastle) Mon June 1 Highland Park 41 Thurs JGne 14 a ®PawEiasN George Reynolds Dr,Courtice I ` t _ Bowmanville Memorial Park 12o ctberty St �� oni�JunQ�8 „ nvrlle� Tt)ursJi{ne 2�1 Orono Park 61 Prin st cess • L Qron�t �� Ji,ti r • •- • • ark 28` + Elliot P "l M�Ilstream Ln ' ck • • .;. — ysciT� _Narnp�gl�f-� Attachment 2 to Report CSD-007-12 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 environment; 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; NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Mayor and Council of the Municipality of Clarington, in recognition of the benefits and values of Recreation and Parks, do hereby designate the month of June as Recreation and Parks Month.