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A resolution recognizing July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, Nashville's municipal park system was established in April of 1901 with Watkins Park as the first park in the city followed by Centennial Park in 1902; and
WHEREAS, it is the mission of Metro Parks to sustainably and equitably provide everyone in Nashville and Davidson County with an inviting network of parks and greenways that offer health, wellness and quality of life through recreation, conservation, and community; and
WHEREAS, Metro Parks offers a variety of facilities and programs throughout Davidson County including over 15,000 acres of open space, 178 parks, 100 miles of greenways, 143 playgrounds, 7 public golf courses, 2 splashpads, 5 year-round pools, 3 outdoor pools, 10 dog parks, 7 historical sites, 27 regional and neighborhood community centers, 190 sports fields, the Centennial Sportsplex, Wave Country, and a variety of other recreational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, regional and neighborhood centers offer activities for all ages and abilities including group fitness classes, youth and adult sports, senior recreational/social programs, aquatics programs, free play, and out-of-school programs for youth; and
WHEREAS, Metro Parks offers a variety of classes, lessons, programs, concerts, and plays through Dance, Theatre, Music, and Visual Arts; and
WHEREAS, residents and visitors enjoy 100 miles of greenways - linear parks and trails that connect neighborhoods to schools, parks, transportation, shopping, and work while also providing barrier-free access to natural resources and recreational opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Metro Parks’ Consolidated Maintenance Division provides upkeep, repair, landscaping, construction, and project management services that benefit all park patrons; and
WHEREAS, Metro Parks through Nature Centers in Beaman Bells Bends, Shelby and Warner Parks provides quality environmental education and responsible recreation to help protect, preserve, restore, and manage the park ecosystem and all natural resources, while also raising awareness and fostering respect for the natural environment; and
WHEREAS, Park Police work to protect and serve countless park patrons utilizing numerous facilities in parks, community centers, and other facilities; and
WHEREAS, Metro Parks offers a variety of outdoor oriented programming with a focus on introductory and beginning skill levels for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain bike riding and for adults, families, youth, seniors, and groups with special needs; and
WHEREAS, Metro Parks and Recreation has offered a supervised recreation program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than 40 years with day camps for both adults and high school age youth; and
WHEREAS, Metro Parks increases a community’s economic prosperity through increased tourism; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. House of Representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County recognizes the benefits derived from Metro Parks.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month in Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.