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language, it was difficult to make friends
and communicate with others. I always
went to the local parks to play basketball
and it was there that I was most comfortable. My experiences helped me to understand the importance of maintaining
parks, particularly in urban areas.

economy, we are all concerned about
jobs, and rehabilitating urban parks creates construction jobs and also positively impacts local businesses. Parks can
help bring together a community and
the benefits are social, environmental,
and economic.

When you were mayor of West New
York, New Jersey, you worked to ensure adequate funding for parks and
recreation. In October of 2009, you
introduced the Urban Revitalization
and Livable Communities Act (H.R.
3734) which would authorize up to
$445 million a year for the rehabilitation of critically needed recreational areas and facilities and the
development of improved recreation programs. Why have you
elected to be a champion for urban
parks and recreation?
As the Mayor of West New York for over
10 years, I saw firsthand the benefits on
my community when parks and recreational infrastructure were improved.
The community became more cohesive
with more areas for people to gather and
relax. People of every age can enjoy the
benefits of parks. As Congressman of
New Jersey's 13th Congressional District, I represent four of the country's top
five most densely populated incorporated places. The district is 100 percent urban and it is important to provide green
spaces. I saw the benefits of urban parks
when I was a mayor and I am determined
to have others benefit from urban park
creation and revitalization.

How do you answer critics in Congress who do not believe that federal
funding should be used to fund local
or state park and recreation
projects?
Congress and local communities should
work together and create partnerships
to fund local or state park and recreation
projects. Cities and states cannot fund
park and recreation projects on their
own. Many are battling their own budget crisis and federal funding is needed.
Again, parks have a tremendous value to
our entire nation and are instrumental in
addressing key national issues including
the economy and health.

Why should funding for urban parks
be a federal priority?
Funding urban parks is a means to addressing many important national issues.
For example, creating and rehabilitating
urban parks can improve public health
and battle obesity problems by providing a space for daily physical activity. Recreation centers can provide safe,
healthy alternatives for our at-risk youth
and address juvenile delinquency. In this
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How does the Urban Revitalization
and Livable Communities Act fit
into efforts by the Administration?
Less than one month after assuming office, President Barack Obama established Executive Order 13503 which
created a position for the director of the
White House Office of Urban Affairs Policy. The first director, Adolfo Carrión,
Jr. has been working to coordinate an
agenda for urban cities across our nation. Vital to these urban areas are urban
parks. Additionally, First Lady Michelle
Obama is actively promoting her " Let's
Move " campaign which will help stop
childhood obesity. Included in this campaign is an effort to get parents more
informed about nutrition and exercise.
Parks fit right into this idea by providing
a space for families to exercise together. I am very excited by the efforts of the
Administration and look forward to seeing progress.

Stacey Pine is Chief of Government

Affairs for NRPA.

May 2010 - Parks & Recreation

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