"No child should be left inside."
SPRINGFIELD - April 2, 2008. Lt. Governor Pat Quinn joined state officials and conservationists for the 13th Annual Illinois Association of Park Districts Legislative Conference at the Crowne Plaza Springfield, 3000 South Dirksen Parkway.
Quinn discussed the right to a healthful environment provided by the Illinois Constitution, and legislative efforts to protect Illinois' environment, and to invest in green infrastructure, clean water, and conservation areas. Encouraging children to participate in activities involving nature to address "nature-deficit disorder" was one of Quinn's themes.
"No child should be left inside," Quinn said. "With a growing epidemic of childhood obesity and behavioral disorders, we should encourage parents and children to enjoy the outdoors and healthy lifestyles through parks and open space."
The conference focused on legislative issues affecting Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies. Quinn will be joined by IAPD President and CEO Ted Flickinger and IAPD General Counsel Peter Murphy.
As Lt. Governor, Quinn serves as chairman of the Illinois River Coordinating Council (IRCC), the Illinois Delegation to the Great Lakes Commission and the Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council (GGCC). Quinn has supported efforts to preserve natural areas and promote outdoor recreation and tourism. His leadership has led to preservation of Plum Island as an Illinois Audubon Refuge in the Illinois River and the designation of the Illinois River national scenic byway.
"I salute the Illinois Association of Park Districts for their advocacy in preserving our shared natural heritage and promoting outdoor recreation in the Land of Lincoln," Quinn said.
The IAPD is a non-profit service, research and education organization that serves park districts, forest preserves, and conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies. It has been working to preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois since 1928.
For more information on Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's programs, please visit StandingUpForIllinois.org. |