The opening of new unique climbing and play features at Northeastern Park. Photo by Paul Hooper, courtesy of Lexington (Kentucky) Parks and Recreation.

Build Together, Play Together: 40 Years of Park and Recreation Month

Launched in 1985, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Park and Recreation Month!

Each July, we celebrate park and recreation professionals and how they improve the lives of tens of millions of people, making a lasting impact in communities across the country. Park and recreation programs are essential to community health and well-being and help cultivate lifelong friendships, memories and family bonds that people hold dear decades later.

Together, we’re building and maintaining sustainable parks and green spaces for current and future generations.

Together, we’re building thriving communities focused on health and well-being.

Together, we’re building high-quality programs and spaces accessible and inclusive for all.

Together, we help people play and connect - through yoga, art classes, picnics and more.

This year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together, " reminds us of the contributions of more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — who maintain our country’s close-to-home parks.

2025 Park and Recreation Month Toolkit

Park and Recreation Month Toolkit

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Get the 2025 Park and Recreation Month Toolkit now!

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Proclaim July as Park and Recreation Month In Your Community

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Proclaiming July as Park and Recreation Month is an opportunity for your community and local leadership to officially acknowledge the importance of parks and recreation and the benefits it provides to the people you serve.

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Park and Recreation Professionals Day

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This year we are celebrating Park and Recreation Professionals Day on Friday, July 18. This is a day to celebrate all the dedicated professionals who build strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.

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Park and Recreation Month Cover Contest

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Our 2025 cover contest is now open and accepting submissions through Friday, March 14. Let us know how your favorite photos support this year's theme, "Build Together, Play Together."

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