Proclamation
WHEREAS, Parks and Recreation makes lives and communities better now and in the future; and WHEREAS, parks and recreation promotes health and wellness, improving the physical and mental health of people who live near parks; and WHEREAS, residents value recreation as it provides positive alternatives for children and youth to reduce crime and mischief especially during non-school hours; it promotes the arts, it increases social connections; aids in therapy; and promotes lifelong learning; and WHEREAS, residents value their parks for access to outdoor spaces for children and adults to play and be active; exercise and group sports; and WHEREAS, parks provide access to the serenity and the inspiration of nature and outdoor spaces as well as preserve and protect the historic, natural and cultural resources in our community; and WHEREAS, our parks and natural recreation areas ensure the ecological beauty of our community and provide a place for children and adults to connect with nature and recreate outdoors; and WHEREAS, the City of Merced urges all its residents to recognize that parks and recreation enriches the lives of its residents and visitors as well as adding value to the community’s homes and neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, July is celebrated across the nation as Parks and Recreation Month, NOW, THEREFORE, I, MATTHEW SERRATTO, Mayor of the City of Merced, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim July 2024 as Parks Make Life Better! Month.
Signed this 15th day of July, 2024.
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Matthew Serratto, Mayor of Merced