The It Starts in Parks initiative supports the four pillars of FRPA's mission; Health, Community Building; Economic Impact and Environmental Stewardship and Resiliency.
HEALTH
Florida’s parks encourage healthy, active lifestyles as well as social development. Sound bodies and sound minds require physical activity and the chance to experience personal growth. Parks provide this opportunity naturally.
COMMUNITY
Parks bring communities together in a common place without the constraints of everyday life. Connecting to everything around us and each other, we learn to value our environment, our heritage and our place in the world.
ECONOMY
Florida’s parks have become an integral component to the economic development of the state. Parks provide an investment in the infrastructure needed to accommodate revenue generating events and tourism which in turn benefit the local and state economy. Additionally, parks positively impact housing and commercial real estate.
ENVIRONMENT
Florida’s parks are key to connecting with our natural and historic treasures in order to preserve them. We grow in awareness of our responsibility to protect and cherish these things through stewardship and gentle use, increasing our desire to conserve what we enjoy today for future generations.
Healthy people start in parks by living active lifestyles.
The building of community starts in parks with each playground interaction.
Economic development through events and increases in property values start in parks.
Taking care of our environment for future generations to enjoy starts in parks.
In these and so many other ways, It Starts In Parks.
How Do I Get Started
Whether you are an individual or an agency you can be involved in the It Starts in Parks program. A large compilation of graphic materials are available for downloading from the It Starts In Parks "How" page of the FRPA website.
As an agency, you have the opportunity to instill in your community a true understanding of and value for what you make happen every day of the year.
- Schedule training with your staff so they can embrace the ISIP philosophy.
- Train your citizen support groups and boards so that they can assist you in spreading the word about parks and recreation.
- Schedule an orientation with your city or county commission to assure they understand the returns for your community when they choose to invest in parks and recreation.