PROCLAIM JULY 2016 PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH
Staff Contact: Erik Strunk, Director, Community Services
Presented By: Office of the Mayor
Accepted By: Mr. Manuel Padia, Chair, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Mr. Kerry Dewberry, Vice Chair, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Accepted By: Erik Strunk, Director, Community Services
Timothy Barnard, Assistant Community Services Director
Michael Gregory, Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services Administrator
Sean McGary, Darren Skousen, Kyle White and Bryan Wagner, Glendale Parks and Recreation Department
Purpose and Policy Guidance
This is a request for City Council to proclaim the month of July 2016 as Parks and Recreation Month in Glendale and present the proclamation to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Chairperson and Commissioners.
Background
National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) has celebrated July as the official Parks and Recreation Month since 1985 in appreciation of professional and volunteer men and women who have worked to advance opportunities for all to recreate and enjoy active and passive parks and facilities that enrich the quality of life.
The Glendale Parks and Recreation Division consists of 43 employees who are responsible for programming and maintaining 119 different parks and related facilities including 55 neighborhood parks; nine community parks; six regional parks; Thunderbird Conversation Park; four sports complexes; 23 retention basins; 22 special-use facilities; and shade structures, parks restrooms, sports courts and playground equipment. The division is also responsible for programming and activities through after school programs; the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center; the Adult Center and our four community recreation centers. Programs and activities also include aquatics; adaptive needs serving the disabled population; services for our senior community and other recreational activities for all ages and walks of life through special interest classes. In October 2014, it received national accreditation status by the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation.
This has been accomplished through the generosity of over 8,000 volunteer hours, the efforts of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and the staff of the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Division.
Analysis
Parks and open spaces improve our health, strengthen our communities, and make our cities and neighborhoods more attractive places to live and work. Research shows that when people have access to parks, they exercise more. Physical activity has been shown to increase health and reduce the risk of a wide range of diseases and also relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety, improves mood, and enhances psychological well-being.
Community Benefit/Public Involvement
Service to the community and providing quality parks and recreational programs has always been the focus of the Glendale Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Division.