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Parks and Recreation is Important
And we need you to Speak out!
Advocacy is one of the most important services we provide to our members. Our legislative committee team works every day to represent the cause of public parks and recreation at the state level by fighting for funding and legislation that improves access to open space and recreational opportunities for all people in all communities of Connecticut.
Please take time to review this section of the website to learn about any of the state policy and legislative issues impacting parks and recreation and what you can do to help advance the interest of parks and recreation in your community and throughout Connecticut.
CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
Support efforts to continually develop public parks so that they may realize their fullest potential by being safe, attractive and efficient. Included in these efforts is the issue of handicapped accessibility. Of particular interest are grants on all levels of government, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Water Recreation Fund, Parks And Recreation Development (PARD) Fund, the Recreation Land Trust (ReLT) Fund, Rails-To-Trails Program (RTP) and block grants.
CRIME PREVENTION
Support legislation that aids in the prevention of crime, especially through parks, recreation, cultural and other leisure services.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Advocate for legislation that produces and requires affordable background checks for employees and volunteers that may have significant contact with children. In doing so, program participants will be better protected and community trust will be stronger
QUALITY OF LIFE
Promote the impact that parks and recreation has on the improvement of the quality of life for citizens, including the instilment of family values, the economic impact of tourism, the increase of property values and in the enhancing of services.
PATRON PROTECTION
Support legislation to establish stricter laws and minimum sentences regarding "sports rage", particularly those perpetrated in the presence of minors.
PARK MAINTENANCE
Closely monitor budgetary processes on the national, state and local levels and advocate for proper funding so that public parks are kept safe, attractive and usable for citizens. This would include laws surrounding application of chemicals for turf maintenance.
PROGRAMS
Advocate funding for leisure programs, and others associated with juvenile delinquency, literacy and crime. Promote sportsmanship, and restrict unacceptable behavior by employees and participants.
ENVIRONMENT
Protect, preserve and advocate for the conservation of our natural resources in not only established parks and conserved areas, but also for historical and cultural sites which may be lost permanently to future development contrary to conservation.
LIABILITY
Promote and support legislation that limits the liability of public entities and their employees, including unpaid coaches, board members and other volunteers, particularly involving tort claims. Produce and/or promote risk management educational opportunities for professional
EDUCATION
Aid in the development and support of lifelong learning opportunities, particularly through parks, recreation cultural and other leisure services. Educate public officials as well as the general public regarding the benefits of parks, recreation and leisure services
