Richard Louve coined this phrase “No Child Left Inside” in his recent book Last Child in the Woods as he explored the necessity for children to experience nature and natural play.  Hundreds of recreation professionals from around the country are taking the message of the benefits of parks and recreation to Capitol Hill today.

Over 20 recreation professionals from Illinois traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the National Legislative Forum on Parks and Recreation.  This morning the group will meet with Senators Richard Durbin and Barack Obama for an Illinois Senator Breakfast, and armed with a variety of information will meet with staff and legislators from each legislative district in Illinois.

The priorities for 2007 are clear. 

• Fight for parks and public lands by restoring the Land & Water Conservation Fund. 
• Promote physical activity and recreation by expanding anti-obesity programming and passage of PLAY Every Day Act of 2007 sponsored by Sen. Tom Harkin. 
• Support livable communities by opposing proposed cuts to the bugets on Community Block Grants.

To learn more about advocacy efforts visit http://www.nrpa.org/advocacy.