Whereas, recreation and parks is an integral part of communities throughout this country, including Park Forest; and
Whereas, recreation and parks combined with community health promote health and wellness, improving people’s physical and mental health; and
Whereas, recreation and parks promotes time spent in nature, which positively impacts mental health by increasing cognitive performance and well-being, and alleviating illnesses such as depression, attention deficit disorders, and Alzheimer’s; and
Whereas, recreation and parks encourages physical activities by providing space for popular sports, hiking trails, swimming pools and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles; and
Whereas, recreation and parks is a leading provider of community health initiatives including nutritional meals, services and education, including out-of-school programming, youth sports and environmental education, critical to childhood development; and
Whereas, recreation outlets and parks venues 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, natural recreation areas and parks ensure the ecological beauty of the Park Forest community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors; and
Whereas, the United States Congress has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month, recognizing the benefits derived from parks and recreation resources.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Park Forest, Cook and Will Counties that the month of July shall be observed as
Recreation, Parks & Community Health Month
in the Village of Park Forest. The Recreation, Parks and Community Health Department leads through our parks, playgrounds and urban forestry management. This is combined with quality programming such as summer camp and youth basketball, exciting events such as Main Street Nights and legendary facilities such as Freedom Hall, the Tennis and Health Club and the Park Forest Aqua Center. BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that all citizens are urged to take advantage of the services that the Recreation, Parks and Community Health Department provide not just in July, but throughout the year.
Proclaimed this 17th Day of June, 2024