July is Parks & Recreation Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- June 2009Get outside, pack a picnic, play on a playground, compete in a sport and enjoy the sunshine! The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is celebrating National Park and Recreation Month this July – and they want all Americans to join in.
Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. Each July, recreation facilities and parks across the country kick-off summer programs, promote outdoor physical activities, and pull together community volunteers to make their outdoor space a better place for all. Due to the recession this year, many national parks are even offering free admission throughout the summer.
Spending the day at the park is not only great for your wallet, it’s great for your health too. Frequently going to a park and being active can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, help ward off obesity and decrease feelings of depression.
- Active users of public parks have a lower body mass index
- People who visit parks for longer periods of time (one hour or more) have significantly lower systolic blood pressures
- Park users who are more physically active and who make frequent contact with friends during their leisure are less likely to report feeling depressed
- Citizens who have better access to parks, visit parks more frequently, and engage in physically-active park behaviors also make fewer visits to their doctor
Playing in parks also helps children build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints, improve self-esteem,
“Everyone can and should visit their nearest park this month,” says Barbara Tulipane, NRPA CEO. “Spending the day at the park is a great way to bond with your family, connect with loved ones, and improve your mental and physical health.”
Park and Recreation Month also recognizes the vital contributions of employees and volunteers throughout the country who assist in creating and maintaining public parks and recreation facilities. These dedicated supporters ensure that public parks and recreation facilities are safe and accessible places for all citizens to enjoy.
From July 20th-24th NRPA also celebrates Action Advocacy Week. Throughout this week, citizens are encouraged to talk to their legislators and tell them how and why the environment and open space are so important to our communities.
For more information about NRPA Park and Recreation Month, contact Sherry MacDonald at smacdonald@nrpa.org or 800.626.NRPA (6772).