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

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have for a community (source). [Youth Engagement] The amount of time that the youth of today spend outdoors is rapidly diminishing. Whether this be a rise of technology, increased school requirements, or some combination, the lack of nature play is taking a toll on physical health and well-being. Park and recreation departments have been significant players youth development through providing services and programming. However, the case for the importance of the departments has not always been fully made. Parks and recreation departments provide more than just fun and games, or gym and swim programs. When youth participate in these programs, they gain excellent opportunities to develop and gain necessary skills to become fully functioning adults. Participation in these activities is associated with autonomy and identity development, positive social relationships, and learning conflict resolution, academic success, mental health, and civic engagement. (Witt and Caldwell, 2010, p.4, MRPA 3) Parks and recreation programs can achieve these outcomes by providing programs that follow standards that will be outlined in (SECTION X). When parks and recreation departments provide out -of -school time recreation programs, individuals who participate and the community at large gain valuable outcomes. Contribute to reducing juvenile delinquency Contribute to increasing positive and reducing negative behaviors Expose youth to less violence Improve children's education performance and thus impact the quality of the future work force and the national economy Help decrease health care costs related to childhood obesity Increase the economic contributions of young people to society when they become adults Help youth develop self-confidence, optimism, and initiative (MRPA 3). Park and recreation departments are ideally situated to afford both opportunities and adult guidance through activities that are intrinsically motivating. Adolescents do not need