City of Riverside, CA
07/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2024 13:20
Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson Joins Mayors for Parks Coalition
Published: 7/17/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 17, 2024
Contact:
Phil Pitchford
Public Information Officer
951-826-5975
Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson Joins Mayors for Parks Coalition
Bipartisan group managed by City Parks Alliance advocates for more federal investment in city parks
RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson has joined the Mayors for Parks Coalition, a national bipartisan coalition that includes mayors from large and small cities across the country who advocate for increased federal funding for our nation's urban parks.
The Coalition was created in 2013 and is managed by City Parks Alliance. It advocates for increased funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund's Stateside and Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) programs. These programs provide matching grants to create and expand parks, develop recreation facilities, and further local recreation plans.
"I am excited to work with City Parks Alliance and be a part of this important coalition," Lock Dawson said. "Historic disinvestment has left many communities without easy access to quality parks and recreation opportunities, and with park assets in need of significant upgrades. As a former park ranger, I'm aware of the benefits of access to outdoor play. Parks really do just make life better for all residents."
The Mayors for Parks Coalition had a historic win in 2020 when the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law. The law provides $900 million in permanent and dedicated annual funding for the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
The LWCF provides funding for national, state and local parks and is funded through revenues from offshore oil and gas drilling royalties, a portion of which is matched by state and local contributions - increasing the return on investment without using federal tax dollars. The LWCF has supported more than 44,000 projects in 98% of the nation's counties.
"Mayor Lock Dawson knows the important role that parks play in improving the health and vitality of Riverside, and we are thrilled to have her join our Mayors for Parks Coalition," states Catherine Nagel, City Parks Alliance's Executive Director.
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