Senator Jones offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 61.

            A resolution to declare July 2011 as Parks and Recreation Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Parks and recreation programs are an integral part of communities throughout the United States and Michigan; and

            Whereas, Our parks and recreation are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in our communities, ensuring the health of all citizens, and contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of a community and region; and

            Whereas, Parks and recreation programs build healthy, active communities that aid in the prevention of chronic disease, provide therapeutic recreation services for those who have a mental or physical disability, and also improve the mental and emotional health of all citizens; and

            Whereas, These programs increase a community’s economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction; and

            Whereas, Parks and recreation areas improve water quality, protect groundwater, prevent flooding, improve the quality of the air we breathe, provide vegetative buffers to development, and produce habitat for wildlife; and

            Whereas, Our parks and recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of legislative body declare July 2011 as Parks and Recreation Month in the state of Michigan.