Strengthening Society

Recreation provides alternatives to self-destructive behavior and helps to prevent crime, especially among youth. According to the data of Department of Justice- Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Survey, 37% of gang members are under the age of 18. Criminologists suggest that one of the best ways to prevent youth crime is to have them engaged in alternative activities such as sports or a recreation program. Research by the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods indicates that community involvement in neighborhood parks is associated with lower levels of crime and vandalism. Moreover, parks and recreation provides the positive, meaningful and relevant programs and events that strengthen communities and encourage a sense of social cohesion, unity, belonging, pride, and appreciation for your community’s traditions and heritage.  Recreation provides citizen involvement opportunities that build leadership skills citizens can use to tackle other community concerns. Parks provide gathering places for families and social groups, as well as for individuals of all ages and socioeconomic status. Parks and recreation helps to bring residents in touch with each other, and their environment builds stronger families, reduces loneliness and alienation, promotes ethnic and cultural understanding and harmony and enhances community spirit.