Title
Proclamation Declaring June through August as Play Ball Summer. (Recreation and Parks 5195)
Body
Proclamation
Whereas, the sport of baseball is America’s national pastime; and
Whereas, the United States Conference of Mayors, Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball have come together to recognize June through August as Play Ball summer; and
Whereas, Play Ball months encourage families and communities to participate in the game of baseball thus creating a sustainable enthusiasm for the game; and
Whereas, the sport of baseball provides a proud sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself; and
Whereas, cities across the country will be coming together during the summer to support the growth of baseball; and
Whereas, the sport of baseball has taught our youth valuable life lessons of teamwork, perseverance, leadership and sportsmanship; and
Whereas, a group of dedicated Alameda residents fundraised over $15,000 to bring back the free Summer Recreational Park Baseball program; and
Whereas, in June 2014, the City of Alameda Recreation and Parks Department teamed up with the Alameda Elks Lodge #1015 to launch the free park baseball program with over 300 youth participating at five parks and through this partnership, continues to offer free baseball every summer for youth in Kindergarten through Fifth grades; and
Whereas, Alameda has many non-profit organizations dedicated to providing baseball and softball youth programs, including Alameda Little League that also has a Challenger Division for children with physical and mental challenges, Alameda Girls Softball Association, Alameda Babe Ruth Baseball, and Neptune Beach Pearl. These are community organizations driven by dedicated volunteers to provide positive leadership for a healthy activity for all youth; and
Whereas, we recognize the importance and influence of the sport of baseball in the City of Alameda, California and will celebrate Play Ball with an Opening Day event on June 30, 2016.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that I, Trish Herrera Spencer, Mayor of the City of Alameda, do hereby proclaim June through August, 2016 as
Play Ball months throughout the City of Alameda.
Trish Herrera Spencer
Mayor