; Whereas the most economically sound communities are those with ample and healthy public park and recreation facilities and activities; Whereas a key factor in business expansion and location is the quality of life for employees, with a premium placed on adequate and accessible public parks and open spaces; Whereas people who use public parks and open spaces are 3 times more likely to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity than nonusers; Whereas public park and recreation facilities and activities foster a variety of activities that contribute to a healthier United States, including— (1) providing injured veterans of the Armed Forces and individuals with physical disabilities opportunities for physical activity; (2) encouraging communities to promote outdoor activities to prevent and manage symptoms related to chronic diseases; (3) working with local school systems to develop science-based curricula to educate children on nutrition and activity; (4) connecting children with nature; and (5) combating obesity among youth; Whereas many parks provide green infrastructure that reduces the heat island effect in urban areas and reduces storm water impacts by as much as 90 percent; Whereas 84 percent of park agencies invest in sustainability activities and practices for the benefit of the environment; Whereas people living within a 10-minute walk of a park have higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity; Whereas the positive impact of outdoor play on the brain of a child has been well documented; Whereas, of the people in the United States— (1) 70 percent go to local parks; (2) 83 percent personally benefit from local parks; and (3) 92 percent say that communities benefit from local parks; Whereas community recreation programs at public park and recreation facilities provide children with— (1) a safe place to play; (2) access to healthy foods; (3) opportunities to be physically active; (4) opportunities for social and emotional learning