Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/09/2020

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Youths who participate in extracurricular activities are more likely than non -participants to have higher self-esteem, greater academic achievement and in turn, lower incidences of delinquency. Furthermore, at -risk youths have been found to especially benefit from guided recreation programming. Data has also shown that students who reported spending no time in afterschool extracurricular activities were 57 percent more likely to drop out of high school, 49 percent more likely to use drugs and 27 percent more likely to have been arrested than students who spend as much as four hours in structured activities. Park and recreation agencies have the ability to provide the programs that can address the root causes of juvenile crime. Because the types of leisure in which youth participate have profound impacts on social development, active and adult -supervised recreation programming available through park agencies are positioned perfectly to equip youth with the tools that develop positive social and cognitive skills, self-confidence and a sense of community (source). [Safety Camp and the Home Alone Safety class example] Community Pride and Identity [Draw Summer Series Placeholder] Public parks and recreation agencies ensure community members have equal access to recreation opportunities, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, ability, ethnicity, or age. Agencies have the ability to create community "buy -in" and bring people together through nature (NRPA, 2017). Parks and recreation systems foster social interactions by providing gathering places for residents regardless of their age, economic status or ability to pay for access. This in turn aids in developing a sense of belonging across demographics (Bradley, 2013). Whether visiting a neighborhood park or attending an art class, residents have the chance to meet new people in an inviting setting. This can create community ties and make living in the area more desirable. Engagement in parks and recreation opportunities are vital to maintaining a healthy community and provide significant positive impacts. Other than bringing neighbors together, participation encourages safer, cleaner neighborhoods and creates a livelier community atmosphere. Facilities provided by parks and recreation help improve a community's image, socioeconomic status and enhance the areas desirability. When individuals move, they seek out a desirable community, when they retire they search for a community that will accommodate their needs. Residents recognize the numerous benefits that well -maintained open spaces and recreation programs can CITY OF RAMSEY PARK SYSTEM PLAN