In Berks County, parks and recreations has played a pivotal role in the lives of families for generations. I can remember going to park when I was younger and having the time of my life. Flying kites with my dad, going swimming, and craft days on Friday, there was never a dull moment and it gave me some of my best childhood memories.” The need for structured recreation in the home and community is an integral process of child development. Moral development, personality and social orientation all are affected by structured recreation.” (Colston) However, the recent downturn in economics has left many parks and recreation departments feeling a blow to their budgets. Causing a lot of Places to have to close their doors to the public, resources
…show more content…
It was a connection to home, both John Gilmore and Chad Henne are Berks County natives, graduating from Wilson High School. Instead of watching the slow decay of the Berks County community, they decided to be proactive and help rebuild it. Choosing parks and recreations as their main focus, with the belief that parks and recreational activities can bring a community together. Parks and recreations play a pivotal role in Berks County communities. Parks are a place where future Football and Basketball players are made. The park is where they are able to practice perfecting their skills on the field or the basketball court. Parks are also a place where future politicians and leaders are molded through conversations and meeting of the minds with their peers. Parks are also a place where adult members of a community can come and have stimulating conversations with other adults in their community. Helping to break down the cultural differences that may exist between people in the community. Bringing a sense of unity and pride into their neighborhood. However, the change in times has left a major void in the parks system that has not been adequately addressed. Leaving many communities in need of change and resources to elevate a dire situation created by the economy and the suburbanization of many inner city …show more content…
The increase in chronic illnesses like Juvenile Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Hypertension in urban communities has been cause for alarm, the trending common factor being the sendentary lifestyle of a community. The CDC has stated that “between the 1970’s and 1980’s approx.. five percent of children were obese, by 2000 that number had jumped to over 13% were obese. Leveling off in 2010 statistics indicated pedicatric obesity to be at approx. 18% whereas in contrast adults are at 31%”. (Mersch) Healthcare and recreational professionals realize that they must make physical activity fun, safe and accessible to address the alarming health trends (www.parks.CA.gov/Planning). The GH Foundation has strived to meet these goals by reintroducing, park leaders to the community playgrounds. Park leaders are usually people from the local community that work with the children during the summer months. Offering a wide range of structured activities for neighborhood children and families to participate in at little to no cost at all. Encouraging physical activity through outdoor play like swimming, walking nature trails, and field trips to local establishments, Helping to establish bonds while encouraging a healthier way of living, in hopes of reducing the prevelance of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in the Berks
It was a connection to home, both John Gilmore and Chad Henne are Berks County natives, graduating from Wilson High School. Instead of watching the slow decay of the Berks County community, they decided to be proactive and help rebuild it. Choosing parks and recreations as their main focus, with the belief that parks and recreational activities can bring a community together. Parks and recreations play a pivotal role in Berks County communities. Parks are a place where future Football and Basketball players are made. The park is where they are able to practice perfecting their skills on the field or the basketball court. Parks are also a place where future politicians and leaders are molded through conversations and meeting of the minds with their peers. Parks are also a place where adult members of a community can come and have stimulating conversations with other adults in their community. Helping to break down the cultural differences that may exist between people in the community. Bringing a sense of unity and pride into their neighborhood. However, the change in times has left a major void in the parks system that has not been adequately addressed. Leaving many communities in need of change and resources to elevate a dire situation created by the economy and the suburbanization of many inner city …show more content…
The increase in chronic illnesses like Juvenile Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Hypertension in urban communities has been cause for alarm, the trending common factor being the sendentary lifestyle of a community. The CDC has stated that “between the 1970’s and 1980’s approx.. five percent of children were obese, by 2000 that number had jumped to over 13% were obese. Leveling off in 2010 statistics indicated pedicatric obesity to be at approx. 18% whereas in contrast adults are at 31%”. (Mersch) Healthcare and recreational professionals realize that they must make physical activity fun, safe and accessible to address the alarming health trends (www.parks.CA.gov/Planning). The GH Foundation has strived to meet these goals by reintroducing, park leaders to the community playgrounds. Park leaders are usually people from the local community that work with the children during the summer months. Offering a wide range of structured activities for neighborhood children and families to participate in at little to no cost at all. Encouraging physical activity through outdoor play like swimming, walking nature trails, and field trips to local establishments, Helping to establish bonds while encouraging a healthier way of living, in hopes of reducing the prevelance of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in the Berks