Staff request that the following proclamation be issued designating July as Parks and Recreation Month, and July 21, 2023 as Parks and Recreation Professionals Day:

Designation of July as Park and Recreation Month and July 21, 2023 as Park and Recreation Professionals Day

WHEREAS parks and recreation is an integral part of communities throughout this country, including the City of Shakopee; and

WHEREAS the Shakopee City Council recognizes that the parks and recreation is a diverse field that improves personal, social, environmental, and economic health; and

WHEREAS the Shakopee City Council recognizes the importance and benefits of park and recreation services that enrich the lives of its citizens, and help make this community a desirable place to live, work and visit; and

WHEREAS the Shakopee City Council values the essential services that park and recreation professionals and volunteers perform to provide recreational and developmental enrichment for our children, youth, adults and older adults; and to ensure our parks and recreational spaces are clean, safe, inclusive, welcoming and ready to use.

WHEREAS parks and recreation promotes time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being, and alleviating illnesses such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimers; and

WHEREAS parks and recreation encourages physical activities by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles; and

WHEREAS parks and recreation increases a community’s economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction; and

WHEREAS the U.S. House of Representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month; and the City of Shakopee recognizes the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SHAKOPEE CITY COUNCIL that July is recognized as Park and Recreation Month and does hereby proclaim July 21, 2023, as “Park and Recreation Professionals Day” in the City of Shakopee.