GUIDING VALUES – It Starts in Parks!
Conservation of our Natural Treasures - Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
Parks and outdoor recreation lands are the essential green infrastructure of our communities. Parks and public recreation lands are carbon reducing landscapes that help clean our air and water; recharge aquifers; and reduce storm-water runoff. Through energy, climate change, and other legislative measures, we advocate for dedicated resources that will sustain, protect, restore, and expand these environmental assets.
Healthy Communities - Health and Wellness for All People of All Abilities, Transportation and Livable Communities
FRPA believes that opportunities for active recreation are critical to an individual’s and a community’s health and wellness. We will advocate for legislation that supports the growing role of public parks and recreation by improving individual and community health through the prevention of chronic disease, the rehabilitation of wounded service members, and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all activities. FRPA supports a high priority on national and state policies that encourage walking, biking and the development of alternative transportation networks that will create more livable and healthy communities.
Investment in Florida’s Future - Public Parks
Parks and recreation agencies deliver essential public services and provide recreation opportunities for every community in America. FRPA advocates for state and federal investments that provide funding for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of parks and public lands as well as recreation infrastructure and resources.
Connection to Nature
Improving access, outreach and developing an appreciation for nature is a national agenda; especially with regards to children. Access to nature must be a priority for Florida’s future. FRPA believes that by providing safe and healthy experiences in which youth can explore nature, public parks, greenways, trails and recreation we can increase the connectivity between youth and their environment. Success in this area will assure future generations of environmental stewards.
Economic Development
Parks support job creation and economic impact! Continued funding of parks and open space managed by parks and recreation agencies, and the programs operated and administered by these agencies, result in the continuation of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the State of Florida. In addition, sports tournaments and events attract millions of out of state visitors to cities through local park facilities and sports venues, resulting in economic support of ancillary jobs in hotels, restaurants, venues, etc. FRPA advocates for the appropriate funding of programs which assure these spaces and programs are continued in order to secure employment opportunities for full-time staff and seasonal job opportunities for youth in communities. These jobs allow citizens to continue to be a contributing part of the communities where they reside.