LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 17-23, 2013, as New York State Recreation and Park Socie-
ty Education Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that affect the
lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 17-23, 2013, as New
York State Recreation and Park Society Education Week in the State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, New York State Recreation and Park Society (NYSRPS) is the
principal organization promoting quality recreation and park opportu-
nities for citizens of New York State through education, training, tech-
nical assistance and support of local, county, state and federal recre-
ation and park providers; therefore, in an effort to maintain the
optimal individualized and organized forms of recreation and the crea-
tive use of leisure time that are vital to the happy lives of all New
Yorkers, NYSRPS promotes an annual conference with the sole purpose to
revitalize the park and recreation professionals; and
WHEREAS, Park, leisure time and recreation programs throughout the
State of New York encompass a multitude of activities that can result in
personal accomplishment, self-satisfaction and family unity for all
citizens, regardless of their background, ability or age; all New York-
ers should recognize the positive benefits that recreation and leisure
services bring forth for the good of our communities; and
WHEREAS, Intrinsic to the outcomes of professional recreation, leisure
time and park services include: attracting tourists; attracting busi-
nesses; attracting retirees; enhancing real estate values; reducing
taxes; stimulating equipment sales; reducing environmental stress;
community regeneration; cultural and historical preservation; facilitat-
ing healthy lifestyles; alleviating deviant behavior among youth; rais-
ing levels of educational attainment; and alleviating unemployment
distress; and
WHEREAS, The landscape of our culture has changed and thereby the ways
in which individuals choose to spend their 'free time' has as well; baby
boomers are aging, living longer, healthier lives due to better educa-
tion and medical breakthroughs; and
WHEREAS, Baby boomers are seeking to stay fit to avoid the unbearable
expense of short and long term care; younger adults are engaging in more
vigorous activities, by the advent of technology; and
WHEREAS, Young people are learning life skills building character
qualities that last a lifetime; in addition, they become aware of how to
be a team player, motivate others, set goals, suffer setbacks and to
achieve dreams; there are active options available to fight the current
epidemic of obesity and other societal ills which will directly affect
generation Z; and
WHEREAS, March is traditionally the month in which NYSRPS holds its
Annual Conference as a measure to foster education and a renewal of the
park, recreation and leisure service professionals in New York State; it
is worth noting that New York State is a leader in the forefront under-
standing the health and wealth of our nation is inherently dependent
upon the community partners that make these healthy living programs
happen for the betterment of all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 17-23, 2013, as

New York State Recreation and Park Society Education Week in the State
of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.