Park and Recreation Month July 1–31
Ashburn, Va. (June 29, 2016) — July is the ideal time to take advantage of the valuable benefits local park and recreation facilities provide, including opportunities to increase physical activity, connect to nature and gather with family, friends and neighbors. This July, during Park and Recreation Month, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) challenges everyone to discover their super powers at their local park and recreation facilities, whether it’s running a mile, building a new network of friends or planting a garden.
“Park and Recreation Month is a time to celebrate the superheroes and super powers of parks and recreation and all the ways these local, community resources add value to our daily lives,” said Barbara Tulipane, NRPA President and CEO. “Parks and recreation not only give us the opportunity to become our best selves, they also super power our communities economically, improve the environment and provide equitable spaces for all.”
Park and recreation agencies across the country will recognize Park and Recreation Month with summer programs, events, contests, commemorations and celebrations. A list of national Park and Recreation Month celebrations is available on the NRPA website. NRPA also created a comic book showcasing the super powers of parks and recreation and how they make a difference through health and wellness, conservation and social equity.
To encourage the discovery of parks and recreation’s super powers, NRPA is hosting a month-long selfie contest. From July 4–31, NRPA will issue weekly challenges for people to get out in their park and recreation facilities and discover their super powers. The contest can be entered via Facebook or by uploading a photo to Twitter and Instagram using #SuperJuly and #SuperParkSelfie.
Initiated in 1985, Park and Recreation Month promotes the importance of parks and recreation in health and wellness, conservation and social equity. The month-long celebration also recognizes the thousands of devoted park and recreation employees that maintain America’s public parks.
“Unfortunately, the hard work of these community heroes often goes unnoticed. Park and Recreation Month serves as a reminder of the positive impact they have on our local communities and beyond,” said Tulipane.
To learn more about Park and Recreation Month, visit www.nrpa.org/july.
To learn more about the NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.
About The National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 50,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.
Media Contact:
Heather Williams
@NRPA_News