July is Park and Recreation Month

Did you know that July is Park and Recreation Month? This year’s theme — Where You Belong — celebrates the many ways park and recreation agencies across the country foster a sense of belonging in their communities by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

Caption: A young adventurer explores a trail.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Nazanin Weck, Gwinnett (Georgia) Parks and Recreation.

Parks and recreation is essential. Studies consistently show that higher physical activity levels among adults and youth are directly linked to their close access to local parks and recreation facilities. Parks provide a connection to nature, which research demonstrates relieves stress, strengthens interpersonal relationships and improves mental health — 92 percent of U.S. adults say they experience a positive mental health boost after spending time in their local parks.

Caption: Older adults participate in an event designed to create a year-round health promotion and a competition for participants who are 50+ years old
Credit: Photo by Reimari Mateo-Perez, courtesy of Durham (North Carolina) Parks and Recreation.

Local park and recreation agencies collectively manage more than 11 million acres of open space across the United States. In addition to helping people connect to nature, local parks create essential environmental stewards who advocate and protect our most precious public resources — our land, water, trees, open spaces and wildlife.

Caption: The Nature in Your Backyard Camp provides kids ages 6 to 9 the opportunity to explore a different aspect of nature each day.
Credit: Photo by Sarah O’Reilly, courtesy of James City County (Virginia) Parks and Recreation.

The power of parks and recreation is immeasurable, and the services that park and recreation professionals provide are vital to our communities. Not only are they stewards for the environment, but they also help fight obesity and provide programming and resources for all people.

Caption: The opening of new climbing and play features.
Credit: Photo by Paul Hooper, courtesy of Lexington (Kentucky) Parks and Recreation.

Since 1985, NRPA has celebrated Park and Recreation Month to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. Park and recreation agencies nationwide are recognizing the month with summer programs, events, contests, commemorations and celebrations. If you’d like to help support this essential service, please visit our website to learn more, make a d onation or reach out to your local park department to ask how they are taking part.