prevention programs, as many members of Congress remain intent on challenging the federal health reform law passed last Congress. NRPA was able to successfully work with other organizations and advocates to protect funding for the Healthy Communities program in FY11. This enabled NRPA to continue to work with over 30 communities to positively impact public health through the ACHIEVE program. The outlook for FY12 remains murky as the President's budget proposed merging Healthy Communities into a new program for Community Transformation grants. The Fit for Life Act of 2011, introduced by Representative Marcia Fudge of Ohio, helps make the important link between access to spaces and places for healthy recreation and the fight against childhood obesity. The bill seeks to combat the root causes of childhood The additional six months Congress has bought themselves for negotiations shouldn't be viewed as a long-term victory and it remains extremely important to reach out to your elected leaders in Washington and share the value that programs such as TE and RTP provide their states and local communities. obesity in underserved communities. The bill contains many potential opportunities for parks and recreation in the form of funding and other resources for, among other things, promoting the reclamation and reuse of abandoned properties for indoor and outdoor public recreation spaces. Like the URLC, the Fit for Life Act bill faces an uphill battle in this fiscal climate; however, NRPA continues to work with Rep. Fudge and other members of Congress to ensure that parks and recreation interests are represented in any legislation seeking to improve childhood obesity rates and public health in general. Joel Pannell is NRPA Advocacy and Outreach Specialist David Tyahla is Senior Government Affairs Manager. VISIT US AT NRPA - BOOTH #423 MAINTENANCE-FREE FINISH QUALIFIES FOR LEED POINTS PH. AMERISTAR FENCE PRODUCTS TULSA, OK 888-333-3422 MKTG@AMERISTARFENCE.COM see us in atlanta at booth #423 w w w . N R P A . O R G O C T O B E R 2 0 1 1 Parks & Recreation 47