On June 9, 2018, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) invites everyone to celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day by discovering the health benefits of parks and recreation at their local park. Celebrated the second Saturday of June each year, Family Health & Fitness Day promotes the importance of parks and recreation in keeping communities active and healthy. Many communities host special events on this day such as a health fair or family fun run, while others simply encourage their residents to visit a local park or recreation center where they can participate in a variety of family-friendly activities, such as, walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, golfing, tennis and swimming. 

Here are the top five reasons to spend Family Health & Fitness Day — and every day — at your local park:

1. Living close to parks and other recreation facilities is consistently related to higher physical activity levels for both adults and youth
2. Parks help reduce obesity and incidence of chronic disease by providing opportunities to increase rigorous physical activity in a variety of forms
3. Parks provide a connection to nature, which studies demonstrate relieves stress levels, tightens interpersonal relationships and improves mental health
4. Parks foster overall wellness and healthful habits, such as becoming tobacco-free and engaging in enrichment activities that add balance to life
5. Between 2000 and 2012, more than 85 studies have been published that link parks to better physical and mental health

Visiting a park is also a great stress reliever. A recent Park Pulse poll found that 35 percent of Americans combat stress by gathering with family, friends or pets at a local park.

We want to see all the great things you’re doing during Family Health & Fitness Day! Please make sure you share your photos and videos with us by tagging NRPA in your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts and using the hashtag #NRPAFamilyFitDay. You can find all sorts of marketing materials in the outreach toolkit, or feel free to use one of these sample posts:

• Local parks are a great place to get healthy with your family! Visit your local park and discover the many benefits. #NRPAFamilyFitDay
• Parks and recreation play a vital role in the wellbeing and health of families everywhere. Celebrate #NRPAFamilyFitDay with us by taking a walk in your local park!

Here’s to celebrating all the ways parks and recreation builds healthy, active communities!

Heather Williams is NRPA's Senior Manager of Public Relations.