July 2010 - Parks & Recreation - 24

advocacy update continued from page 21

increasing the number of community recreation areas through capital improvement and rehabilitation projects as
well as joint-use agreements.
Community-based coalitions receiving a grant must use an assessment tool
approved by the Secretary of HHS to
identify gaps and barriers to physical activity. The coalition must submit results
of the assessment to the State health department. The assessment must include
an explanation of how it will coordinate
with appropriate State and local authorities including State or local parks and
recreation departments or associations.
This legisislation again shows its
commitment to parks and recreation
departments in its " Moving Outdoors in
Nature State Strategy. " This strategy authorizes a combined $165 million over
fiscal years 2011-2013 to be awarded to
states or eligible entities, such as parks
and recreation departments, to implement programs that increase outdoor

activities to connect children and families with the outdoors, develop natural play areas, trails, and greenways,
as well as establish environmental and
conservation education programs. Finally, state parks and recreation departments should stand to benefit from The
Healthy CHOICES Act's authorization of
$767 million in competitive grants for fiscal years 2011-2015 to realign transportation policy and infrastructure in order
to promote healthy and active lifestyles.
State and local parks and recreation
departments would be eligible to apply for funding through their state's Department of Transportation for projects
that in coordination with local government officials develop environmentally sustainable active transportation
infrastructure.
In addition to President Obama's
taskforce to battle childhood obesity
and the First Lady's " Let's Move " campaign, NRPA is greatly encouraged to

see greater federal support for the state
and local parks and recreation departments to empower healthier lifestyles.
The funding needed to support Rep
Kind's legislation is a challenge to favorable consideration in the House of Representatives, given Pay/Go budget rules
and political concerns about the budget
deficit. Strong advocacy will be necessary to advance the bill. NRPA strongly
encourages its member organizations to
contact your Representatives and urge
them to pass H.R. 5209 by stressing the
importance of battling the obesity epidemic through expanded access to state
and local parks and recreation facilities.
You can contact your Representative
through the Capitol switchboard at (202)
224-3121.

Michael Claunch works for The

Ferguson Group, the outside lobbying
firm for the National Recreation and
Park Association.

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