February 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 33

2011 National Legislative Forum
A Critical Time for Parks and Recreation

ow, more than ever, the U.S. Congress needs to hear

forcefully from advocates for public parks and recreation.
As the 112th Congress begins its first term, a new Republi-

can majority has taken over the House of Representatives, and there

are new leaders and members of key Congressional committees.
While the nation emerges from one of the worst recessions since the Great
Depression, Congress and the President will make critical budget decisions
that will determine the level of federal funding for the many programs and
funding sources on which parks and recreation depend for years to come.
Your voice and your presence are needed in Washington this year.
If you have not made plans yet to attend the 2011 National Legislative Forum, don't delay. We must take our message to Capitol Hill about the value
and importance of parks and recreation to every community, and nothing
speaks louder to Members of Congress than a constituent who has taken
the time and trouble to come to Washington to meet with them in person.
Come join your fellow advocates from around the country in Washington to fight for parks and recreation. You will hear excellent speakers, be
equipped with background information to make your Hill visit productive, and
you will carry the message to Members of Congress and the Administration.
The National Legislative Forum on Parks and Recreation takes place
March 16-18, at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.nrpa.org/Content.aspx?id=2296.

Messaging Is Key in the 112th
If we are going to advance the national
agenda for parks and recreation in this
tough economic and political climate,
then our message can no longer be the
blanket statement that " parks and recreation are good for the nation. " We need
to prove why that statement is true using
data and facts that are specific to your
state and your congressional district.
All messages to Congress must address
the various ways parks and recreation
impact the economy, create or maintain
jobs, and provide savings. For instance,
can you show data that the development
of greenspace saved your city money by
reducing stormwater runoff? Can you

get the chief of police to write you a letter that talks about how your programs
have decreased crime in your community? This is the type of information that
park and recreation advocates must
share with elected officials at all levels
of government.
As you plan your visit to Washington
for the Legislative Forum (March 16-18),
think about the type of information you
can bring with you to prove to your legislator the economic impact of parks and
recreation in your community and to his/
her constituents.

Stacey Pine is the NRPA Chief

Government Affairs Officer.
Circle 22 on product information
form on PAGE 79

w w w . NR P A . ORG

FEBRUARY 2011

Parks & Recreation

February 2011 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2011 - Parks & Recreation