Imagine living in a community without parks and recreation.
Without parks and recreation: it would be difficult to enjoy leisure activities,
the elderly would not have as many opportunities for social interaction, residents
would need to travel to other communities to participate in organized sports, children
would not be able to participate in constructive programs, and the overall
health of residents would deteriorate, there would be an increase in obesity, an
increase in the mortality rate, and an increase in crime. Parks and Recreation
is not only essential to the overall health, and vitality of Benson residents it
also stimulates the local economy; therefore, it is critical to stop decreased
funding for Parks and Recreation.
An increase in funding for Parks and Recreation would
provide numerous benefits to Benson. For example; two additional ball fields
would provide more opportunities for youth, and adult sports tournaments. An
increased opportunity for ball tournaments would bring families to Benson, and generate
new money for our local economy. New money in our economy would increase tax
revenue, create new jobs, create a demand, and drive revenue for our local
businesses.
According to a study by the National Recreation and Park
Association (NRPA) The Benefits of Local
Recreation and Park Services more than seventy-five percent (75%) of
Americans utilize park and recreation services. An increase to local park and
recreation services would prove to be a key factor in marketing Benson, and
increase the permanent tax base. An increase to the permanent tax base would provide
many benefits to Benson by increased tax revenue, create a demand for more business
based services, and create jobs.
Residents can play an active role in the municipal budget
process to ensure funding is not being cut. Each year in January, City staff
begins preparing their budgets to present to Council. Budget meetings typically
take place in early May, and the public is always welcome to attend the
meetings. Prior to the approval of the budget in June, members of the public
have the opportunity to speak at council meetings during the call to the
public. It is important for residents to voice their opinions, and/or concerns
to elected officials during the budget process. Become involved this year, and
help improve the quality of life in your community.
Laura I think increasing the funds for the parks recreational uses is a great idea. If you ever watched a movie you would always see when they go to the park a nice green park with tons of people in it having a good old time. Sadly when I go to the lion’s park it isn’t really that busy at all and the grass isn’t the best in the world. By increasing the money flow to the park it could really turn it around, they have already done a great job with building new bathrooms but why stop there. With an increase in funds the city would be able to add on to the park such as more benches, BBQ pits, upgrade the playground and get more funding for activities to be available to the public such as yoga, horseshoes, and other leisurely activities. They could even afford to put more sports equipment for sports held there.
ReplyDeleteRecreation seems to be a reoccurring problem in Benson. Therefore I think it is crucial to increase funding for Parks and Recreations, I definitely agree with you. By doing this there would be so many benefits that come with this just like the ones you listed. I like that you brought the percentage of Americans that utilize Parks and Recreational services. Sometimes people won't realize how important or beneficial something is until they see the numbers or statistics of it. Bringing this to peoples attention will help to raise awareness to the importance and parks and recreations. I also think it is important to get more people to go to these budget meetings in early May. To ensure that the voices who support parks and recreations are being heard, we should start a club or something of the sort for supporters. Throughout the year before this meeting is being held, people can come together and discuss their concerns as well as ideas amongst other things. When the budget meetings come around they will be organized in what the want to say and have research of how the town of Benson functions with and without parks and recreations in order to show the true importance of it. I'm glad you brought this up!
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