The cream of Congress: this year's crop of Congressional Award winners distinguish themselves for their continued support of parks and recreation

Parks & Recreation, April, 2004 by Maya Avrasin, Rachel Roberts

Four members of Congress received Congressional Awards at the National Legislative and Policy Forum for their support of parks and recreation throughout the year.

Sea. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) was the first to receive an award at this year's ceremony. He was nominated for his 29 years of leadership in Congress in provide nutritious foods to needy families, especially in a park and recreation setting. His actions helped keep child nutrition programs available to qualified individuals, rather than being converted to a federal grant program.

"This award will spur my efforts here in Congress," he said as he accepted the award. "It's a privilege serving children who need the opportunity of America."

Rep. David Obey (D-Wisc.) also received a Congressional Award for his special efforts to restore grant-in-aid funds for parks during the FY 2003 appropriations process. As the ranking minority member of the House Committee on Appropriations, he has consistently fought for money to be spent on parks and recreation, which has led to a more conducive environment for program support.

He used his acceptance speech to urge NRPA members to fight for funding in the new budget, saying that anyone who would like money for their programs should get involved and focus on budget resolutions.

"It's time to sound an alarm bell," Obey said. "We face a crucial time not just for parks, but for all social programs."

The other two Congressional Awards were to be presented to Rep. James Langevin (D-R.I.) and Rep. Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) for their leadership to restore the FY 2003 funds for the Recreation Demonstration Program for Persons with Disabilities, in private ceremonies.

Both Representatives sent letters to key appropriators, who ultimately agreed to give $2.6 million to the program. This money will all local park and recreation agencies, non-profits and universities by providing seed money to implement new therapeutic recreation programs, as well as university therapeutic recreation studies.