vital quality-of-life tool in their communities. They recognize that our services, programs and events encourage residents to be healthier and more engaged. Parks most definitely foster community and economic development. In Indianapolis, our new mayor has continued to stand up and act as a champion for parks. And, there are a number of housing and community efforts reaching out to Indy Parks to augment their plans. Our parks and programs are also crucial public safety tools. Police officers are now offering a variety of programming at our family centers, helping to better connect them to our customers and services. Through this effort, we are combining resources with law enforcement to accomplish key goals, which in turn contributes to stronger cities and towns. All of these attributes are obvious to us who work in parks and recreation. But it's up to us to remind everyone that our work is more than just fun. We are necessary components of healthy and vibrant communities. - Samantha Bartram, Executive Editor of Parks & Recreation magazine Visit Us A at NRP oth Bo #1920 Creating Fun Ways to Spray & Play! Fountain People, manufacturers of Water Odysey, celebrates 20 years of creating innovative solutions for aquatic play with a NEW LOOK! Contact us for your next aquatic play experience. 512.392.1155 | www.waterodyssey.com W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 | Parks & Recreation 31