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<br />¡/ ~- / <br /> <br />RIEPc:JRT <br /> <br />To the Honorable Mayor and City Council <br />From the City Manager <br /> <br />EXECUTIVE SUMMARY <br /> <br />December 5, 2005 <br /> <br />Subject <br />Presentation on Parks for the Future <br /> <br />Recommendation <br />No action is recommended at this time. Parks for the Future representatives wish to share <br />information and get feedback from Council and Commission members as well as the public on a <br />potential 1/8 cent sales tax to provide on-going stable funding sources for parks and recreation <br />activities. Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission will be in attendance for this <br />presentation. <br />This report outlines: <br />. the need for the measure; <br />. the Parks for the Future process to date; <br />. recommendations from the Parks for the Future participants, including the distribution <br />of funds; <br />. the possible timeline. <br /> <br />The report also identifies items that still need to be addressed. <br /> <br />While this item is presented as information only, Parks for the Future representatives are using it <br />as an opportunity to receive feedback from Council/Commission members and the public. <br /> <br />Issue <br />1. Parks and Recreation, as a non-mandated service, has experienced significant funding <br />reductions as local governments have had to manage reductions in their ongoing <br />revenue streams. <br /> <br />2. These reductions have resulted in reduced landscaping services, longer intervals <br />between litter pick-up and bathroom cleaning, deferred maintenance, and removal or <br />closure of facilities that need repair or do not meet safety standards and the elimination <br />of recreation programs. <br /> <br />Major Findings <br /> <br />1. Parks have a significant impact on the quality of life in communities by providing <br />gathering spaces, areas for organized activities, habitat for native plants and animals, <br />and critical functions in water supply and flood control. Well maintained parks, urban tree <br />programs and community landscaping improve neighborhood aesthetics and property <br />values. <br /> <br />2. Recreation programming supports healthy lifestyles, and with respect to youth and senior <br />programming, they improve public safety. Teen after-school programs provide sports and <br />healthy socializing. Senior programs prevent social isolation and support senior health <br />through age-appropriate nutrition programs and physical exercises. Sports and other <br />physical fitness programs now playa critical role in combating California's low rates of <br />physical fitness and high rates of obesity-among youth and adults alike. <br />