Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize June as Parks and Recreation Month in Canada.
Parks and recreation opportunities are essential for strengthening and maintaining a healthy community, and the positive impacts are evident. Recreation brings people together, encourages safe, clean neighbourhoods and creates a livelier atmosphere.
Parks and recreation facilities also help to improve images, social and economic status and enhance the area's desirability.
Recreation gives individuals of all ages good opportunities to be actively involved. This in turn helps them to learn positive lessons about responsibility and respect for others and gives them the chance to give back to their communities.
In my riding of Oshawa, Lakeview Park is a popular area and a favourite of my constituents.
I salute the parks and recreation community leaders across Canada for the dedication they provide to ensuring all Canadians have access to quality and affordable parks and recreation opportunities.
I encourage everyone to celebrate park month by enjoying our outdoors and parking themselves in a park.