Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF THE DULUTH CHILDREN’S OUTDOOR CHARTER AS A DOCUMENT TO FOSTER ACCESS TO OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, the City of Duluth has established itself as a national leader for outdoor recreation infrastructure by leveraging private and public investments in our parks and trails.
WHEREAS, the City of Duluth, through its Parks and Recreation Division, believes that every child should have access and opportunities to discover, play, and learn through outdoor experiences, within our community parks, trails, and nature areas.
WHEREAS, the City of Duluth believes that the availability of varied youth experiences in nature can develop character, enhance learning, strengthen connection to community, and create a sense of wonder and curiosity for the world around them.
WHEREAS, partnerships between the City of Duluth, schools, non-profit organizations, private businesses and citizen groups can support broad access to outdoor experiences for our City’s youth.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Duluth City Council supports the Children’s Outdoor Charter in order to foster access to rich and varied outdoor experiences within our community.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes the proper city officials to adopt the Duluth Children’s Outdoor Charter as a guideline to foster access to rich and varied outdoor experiences within our community.
The City of Duluth has established itself as a national leader for outdoor recreation infrastructure by leveraging private and public investments in our parks, trails, and nature areas. The Duluth Children’s Outdoor Charter aims to encourage children, families, and the organizations that support them, to explore the outdoors, master skills, and discover the wonders of the natural world.
Children who spend time outdoors develop lifelong qualities as critical thinkers, effective communicators, successful students, and healthy adults. Research consistently indicates the importance of providing meaningful, worthwhile opportunities for children and families to connect and grow together in nature.
Scott Pilate (ISD 709), Tracie Claugh (YMCA) and Jessica Fisch (NYS) presented a draft version of the Charter to the Parks and Recreation Commission at their July 8, 2015 meeting. After fine-tuning the draft, Tim Bates (UMD Outdoor Recreation Program) and Jessica Fisch (NYS) presented the final version of the Duluth Children’s Outdoor Charter to the Parks and Recreation Commission at their August 12, 2015 meeting. The Park and Recreation Commission unanimously voted to support the Charter and recommend to the Duluth City Council consideration and acceptance of the Charter. The Charter is attached as Exhibit A.