ACR 223: “Parks Make Life Better!®” Month.

WHEREAS, Parks and adjacent access to state and federal public lands provide gateway and rural communities with opportunities to fortify their economies through activities that promote rec-tourism and visitation patterns, including mountain biking, gravel cycling, foraging, trail running, equestrian use, and other activities; and

WHEREAS, Local and state parks and recreation entities, through cultural and inclusive program offerings, among other things, provide communities of color with the opportunity to explore the past and celebrate the future; and

WHEREAS, Parks build communities by eliminating economic, social, ethnic, and racial barriers through the sharing and experiencing of common spaces at no cost; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreation promote physical, emotional, and mental health and wellness through organized and self-directed fitness, play, aquatic recreation, and activity and help prevent health problems; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreational programs support the economic vitality of communities by partnering with local businesses and nonprofits and offering events for residents’ engagement; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreational programs create memorable experiences through youth sports and enrichment activities, teen centers and programs, senior activity centers, adult fitness and enrichment programs, free community events, and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreational programs foster social cohesiveness in communities by celebrating diversity, providing spaces to peacefully gather, modeling compassion, promoting social equity, connecting social networks, and ensuring all people have access to those benefits; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreational programs help encourage community cohesion and facilitate the formation of deeper connections with one another; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreation support human development and provide endless learning opportunities that foster social, intellectual, physical, and emotional growth in people of all ages and abilities; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreational programs strengthen community identity by providing facilities and services that reflect and celebrate community character, heritage, culture, history, aesthetics, and landscapes; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreational programs facilitate community problem and issue resolution by providing safe spaces to peacefully gather and serve as key points of service, which helps our communities heal both physically and emotionally; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreational programs increase mental and emotional health, as evidenced by studies that have found that individuals living close to parks have lower levels of stress and depression; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreation sustain, and are stewards of, our natural resources by protecting habitats, lakes and waterways, and open space, connecting people to nature, and promoting the ecological function of parkland; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreation emphasize the importance of nature and teaching future generations to value nature and the outdoors as part of their development; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreation support safe, vibrant, attractive, and progressive communities that make life better through positive alternatives offered through recreational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreational programs are versatile and innovative in providing vital services to communities through local, national, or global emergencies, while also adhering to guidelines set forth by governing agencies; and

WHEREAS, Parks and recreational facilities provide more affordable options for many communities without easy access to state parks; and

WHEREAS, The California Park & Recreation Society has released a statewide public awareness campaign, “Parks Make Life Better!®”, to inform the public of the many benefits of using parks, facilities, programs, and services; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the importance of access to local and state parks, trails, open space, and facilities for the health, wellness, development, inspiration, and safety of all Californians; and be it further

Resolved, That the Legislature declares the month of July 2026 as “Parks Make Life Better!®” Month; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.