5.9. SR 11-20-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Purpose What We Do Legislative Issues he purpose of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) is to improve the quality of life by promoting the profession of parks, recreation, and leisure services within the State of Minnesota. We work to unite all professional recreators and concerned lay persons who support the provision of quality parks, leisure services and opportunities. We further seek to provide members with continuing education oppor- tunities, to advance the value and ideals of recreation, and to encourage communication between recreation professionals, the public and elected officials. Presently, we have over 1,500 members located in virtually every community throughout the State. Our goals include: ♦ encourage public support and promote awareness and understanding of the values of recreation, parks, and leisure in the lives of individuals; ♦ serve as an infirrrnation resource on trends, developments and future changes related to the delivery of parks and recreation services; ♦ provide recreational services including tournament competition, youth sports training, and spoils management services; ♦ promote effective relationships with other organizations for further advancement of parks, trails, recreation and leisure service opportunities in Minnesota; and ♦ take a proactive position on legislation affecting the parks and recreation field. Parks and recreation are an essential service; one that can positively impact health, crime prevention, the environment, the economy, and the quality of life in any community. Here is just a sampling of the benefits a strong commitment to parks, trails and recreation will provide: ♦ Physical recreation and fitness ♦ Children's play ♦ Scenic beauty to communities ♦ Environmental education ♦ Integrated leisure services ♦ Accessible leisure services ♦ Leadership opportunities ♦ Strong communities ♦ Ethnic and cultural harmony ♦ Reduction of criminal activity ♦ Catalyst for tourism ♦ Strengthened economy ♦ Strengthened property values ♦ Enhanced foundation for society ♦ Conununity linkage through trails and green - ways ♦ Natural resources and open space preservation And management ♦ Positive youth activities The MRPA continually supports the fi)llowing Statelegislative issues: ♦ Continuation of the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources and its funding support for parks, trails, and natural resources. ♦ The use of the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund for the following priority items: 1. Preservation, management and restoration of natural resources that encompass both urban and rural environmental issues. 2. Trail connections and corridors throughout the State. 3. Acquisition and development of parks and open space and natural resources. ♦ A state bonding bill for parks and trails that represents the level of funding adequate to acquire, develop, redevelop, and protect parks and trails within state, regional and local jurisdictions. n addition, the MRPA is concerned and supports the following National Legislative issues. ♦ Reinstatement of LAWCON funding ♦ Authorization of the enhancement provision of IS'Il?A including funding for the National Recreational Trail Funding Act.