The Community Parks Revitalization Act (CPRA) is meant to stimulate neighborhood economic growth by leveraging limited community monies. The bill would authorize grants for park and recreation agencies, coupled with local matching funds.

The American Society of Landscape Architects commends Congressman Albio Sires (NJ-D, 8th district) for reintroducing on June 11 the Community Parks Revitalization Act (CPRA). The act would not only help communities rehabilitate community parks and outdoor recreational facilities, but also develop new ones.

Community parks and other outdoor recreation facilities have a proven record for benefiting communities through increased economic development, encouraging physical activity; connecting children with nature and reducing crime.

Grants could be used to rehabilitate existing and develop new community parks and recreational infrastructure. The bill also includes a program to establish secured loans and loan guarantees. This program, modeled after the Transportation Infrastructure Innovative Financing Act, would allow large multiple communities to bundle projects together to take advantage of low-cost financing.

"Considering that more than 80 percent of the U.S. population now lives in urban areas, it is critical that our nation's leaders recognize the importance of quality of life in the communities where most American live," said Barbara Tulipane, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association.

ASLA supports legislation to assist with the rehabilitation and construction of urban parks and recreational facilities for their economic, social and environmental benefits to communities. "Parks are not just pretty places, but critical to the fabric of our daily lives," observed Nancy Somerville, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA.

Somerville noted that many landscape architects plan and design community parks and other outdoor recreational spaces. Such planning helps encourage physical activity by making spaces more accessible, attractive and sustainable. These spaces also absorb stormwater runoff.

A fact sheet with detailed information on the CPR Act is available at www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/nrpa.org/Advocacy/Urban-Community-Parks-Revitalization-Act.pdf

For more information on legislative issues impacting parks and recreation, visit www.NRPA.org/getinvolved