4 Easy Ways to Celebrate Park and Recreation Month


By Roxanne Sutton | Posted on July 10, 2015

For parks and recreation, the most wonderful time of the year is upon us. No, not Christmas—Park and Recreation Month! And this month is particularly special as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of July as Park and Recreation Month.

You may have seen that we’re getting retro this month to commemorate our 1985 birth year, but there’s a lot more going on besides an increase in the number of people rocking side-ponies and legwarmers at NRPA HQ. Here are just some of the ways you can celebrate Park and Recreation Month in July!

1. Go to your local parks and recreation facilities. This might seem like a no-brainer, but this is what the month is all about. Just get out there and enjoy all the benefits your nearest park or rec center can provide. 

 

 

A photo posted by Mooie (@westsacfun) on

The City of West Sacramento Parks & Recreation in California celebrates Park and Recreation Month with some great events! "West Sacramento's first Ride, White, and Blue Bike Parade brings community out for some holiday fun. #JulyPRM30 #PowerOfParks #westsacramento"

 

2. Participate in the Throwback Thursday Instagram Video Challenge. Now that you’ve gotten out to your nearest local park or rec center, do something totally 80s while you’re there and capture it in a short video. We’re giving away an $85 Amazon gift card on July 9, 16, 23 and 30 to the person with the best video. 

 

Keller Parks & Recreation Department in Texas posted this great video for the challenge! "The Keller Parks staff celebrate the '80s with their gnarly moves!! They are the driving force behind our beautiful parks in Keller!!! #NRPA #julyprm30 #julytbtchallenge #cityofkeller"

 

3. Share the Power of Parks video and infographic. Local park and recreation departments do so much more than just awesome year-round programming. They positively impact the health and wellness of their communities while contributing to greener places to live and serving people of all backgrounds. To showcase this during the 30th anniversary of Park and Recreation Month, NRPA created a Power of Parks video and infographic. 

 

Cedar Hill Parks & Recreation in Texas says, "Do you know the power of your local parks in Cedar Hill? #JulyPRM30 #PowerofParks #cedarhillpard"

 

4. Share your favorite park and recreation moments. Snap a picture of your favorite spot in a park or from your favorite rec center class and share it with your friends and family on social media. Use #JulyPRM30 and encourage others to share their favorite moments too! 

Nichole T on Instagram says: "Day 9 on #31parks31days for #julyprm30 was Blacklick woods Metropark of #franklincountymetroparks so thankful for our metroparks :)"

 

No matter what you do this July, we hope you have an excellent time enjoying all the benefits parks and recreation can bring to your community. There are an infinite number of ways you can celebrate the month, so let us know how you do it! 

 

Roxanne Sutton is NRPA’s Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist.