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Agenda Item No. 5(C) EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION Proclaiming the Month of July as Park and Recreation Month WHEREAS, Parks and Recreation makes lives and communities better now and in the future; and WHEREAS, the National Citizen Survey informs us that that over 85% of El Cerrito residents have visited a neighborhood or City park at least once per year; and nearly 50% participate in an El Cerrito Recreation Department program or activity; and WHEREAS, residents value recreation as it provides positive alternatives for children and youth to reduce crime and mischief especially during nonschool hours, it promotes the arts, it increases social connections, aids in therapy, and promotes lifelong learning; and WHEREAS, residents value their parks for access to outdoor spaces for children and adults to play and be active; exercise and enjoy group sports and other activities; and WHEREAS, parks provide access to the serenity and the inspiration of nature and outdoor spaces as well as preserve and protect the historic, natural, environmental, and cultural resources in our community; and WHEREAS, the residents of El Cerrito, including children, youth, families, adults, seniors, as well as businesses, community organizations, and visitors, benefit from the wide range of parks, trails, open space, sports fields, tennis courts, facilities and programs including the El Cerrito Community and Swim Centers, the Open House Senior Center, Cerrito Vista Park, Hillside Natural Area, childcare and after school enrichment programs provided and maintained by the El Cerrito Recreation and Public Works Departments; and WHEREAS, the El Cerrito City Council urges all residents to recognize that parks and recreation enriches the lives of its residents and visitors as well as adding value to the community’s homes and neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, July is celebrated across the nation as Parks and Recreation Month; and WHEREAS, the El Cerrito Park and Recreation Commission, at its February 26, 2014 meeting, supported the City Council’s approval of this proclamation. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito hereby proclaims July as Park and Recreation Month in the City of El Cerrito and in doing so, urges all residents to use and enjoy the City’s parks, trails, open space, facilities, and many recreation opportunities and acknowledge that Parks Make Life Better! Dated: March 18, 2014 Janet Abelson, Mayor