"Parks Make Life Better" Parks and recreation make lives and communities better now and in the future by providing access to the serenity and inspiration of nature; outdoor space to play and exercise; facilities for self-directed and organized recreation; positive alternatives for youth which help lower crime and mischief; and activities that facilitate social connections, human development, therapy, the arts, and lifelong learning. “We Create Community and Quality of Life through People, Parks and Programs” Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department strengthens our community’s fabric, health and well-being, economic base and security. Manhattan Beach residents have long valued neighborhood and community parks as special natural places where they can relax, walk, meditate, enjoy family time, and seek spiritual renewal. As our quality of life has been threatened by crime, urban sprawl, family disintegration, and other modern pressures, the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department – in partnership with our school district and community-based organizations and business – has risen to the challenge, providing services to increase community health and stability. Today, the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department provides much, much more than recreation experiences. Through diverse and innovative programming, and broad partnerships, the Parks and Recreation Departments plays an important role in creating a healthy community. By providing the space to learn and play, space to be safe & secure and space to create & imagine, the Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department meets a nine-part mission: WE STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY IMAGE AND SENSE OF PLACE: Parks, recreation facilities, programs and community events are key factors in strengthening community image and creating a sense of place. WE SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Recreation programs and facilities attract and retain businesses and residents, as well as tourists. Parks and recreation provides jobs and generates income for the community and for local businesses. WE STRENGTHEN SAFETY AND SECURITY: Park and recreation professionals provide safe environments for recreation activities and design programs and services specifically to reduce criminal activity. WE PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Participation in recreation activities improves physical, social and emotional health that positively impacts community health and wellness. WE FOSTER HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: Parks and recreation services foster social, intellectual, physical and emotional development. WE INCREASE CULTURAL UNITY: Parks and recreation increases cultural unity through experiences that promote cultural understanding and celebrate diversity. WE PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES: By acquiring and protecting valuable resources as open space, rivers, streams, greenways, view sheds forests, habitat areas, and natural resources are protected and habitat required for the survival of diverse species is preserved. WE PROVIDE RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES: Through programmed and self-facilitated recreation, a variety of benefits to individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities are achieved. Recreational experiences are important as an end in themselves for personal enjoyment. WE FACILITATE COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING: Park and recreation professionals possess facilitation and leadership skills that can be applied to resolve community problems and issues. “We provide the place, space and experiences that build high self-esteem and the feeling of living a full life Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi, City of Manhattan Beach Recreation manager 2001"

1. Idris Jassim AL-Oboudi ادريس جاسم العبودي City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department www.citmb.info ialoboudi@citymb.inf

4. p a r k s

5. p a r k s m a k e

6. p a r k s m a k e l i f e

9. How do parks make life better?

10. Play Safe, outdoor space

11. safe, outdoor play space… For us, the biggest benefit is a

12. for our kids today — and as they grow.

13. play

14. Nature Beauty and serenity

15. beautiful, serene place so close to home. Being in nature makes me feel alive. I feel lucky to have this

16. I want my grandkids to have the same appreciation for parks.

17. nature

18. Exercise Healthy movement

19. moving at your own pace — Our family walks, plays and cycles. Parks are made for

20. The recreation programs make it easy to stay healthy.

21. exercise

22. exercise

23. Positive Spaces Free-time fun

24. away from trouble. My neighborhood park is more than a place to chill. It keeps me thinking straight and

25. It’s free — and it’s really fun.

26. positive spaces

27. Gathering Places Socializing and learning

28. good times. Parks are like holidays, bringing us together to share

29. They are the common ground that connects us all.

30. gathering places

31. Forever Valued today and always

32. They add value to our homes and neighborhoods. Parks enrich our lives.

33. Individually and as a community, we’ll always have that need.

34. forever

35. forever

36. Produced by City of Manhattan Beach Parks and Recreation Department www.CITYMB.INFO Idris Jassim Al-Oboudi Recreation Services Manager [email_address]