; Whereas public park and recreation facilities and activities foster a variety of activities that contribute to a healthier United States, such as providing injured military veterans and those with physical disabilities opportunities for physical activity, encouraging communities to promote outdoor activities in order to prevent and manage symptoms related to chronic diseases, working with local school systems to develop science-based curricula to educate children on nutrition and activity, connecting children with nature, and combating obesity in youth; Whereas people living within a 10-minute walk of a park have higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity; Whereas, of the people in the United States— (1) 70 percent go to their local park; (2) 83 percent say they personally benefit from local parks; and (3) 92 percent say their community benefits from local parks; Whereas community recreation programs at public park and recreation facilities provide children with a safe place to play, access to healthy foods, opportunities to be physically active, and enrichment activities that greatly assist working families with childcare services and help to reduce at-risk behavior such as drug use and gang involvement; Whereas 73 percent of adults believe parks, trails, and open spaces are an essential part of the healthcare system; and Whereas public park and recreation facilities and activities reduce fuel costs and commute times by providing a place close to home to relax, exercise, and reduce stress: Now, therefore, be it