National Recreation and Park Association and Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department Proclaim July as Recreation and Parks Month
(Phoenix) - Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has designated the month of July as Recreation and Parks Month. Recreation facilities and parks across the country annually use July to celebrate the kick-off of summer programming as well as a time to pull communities together to volunteer, get involved in great outdoor physical activities and advocate for parks and recreation.
Research shows that 75% of Americans live within two miles of a public park or recreation facility. And, more than 75% of the population take advantage of their local parks and recreation facilities—this amounts to a staggering 192 million people visiting annually.
As part of this year’s celebration, Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department has prepared a slew of activities to keep the community active and involved during the dog days of summer. “The County’s parks are dedicated to providing residents with healthy recreational programming. When Mother Nature turns the heat up, we adjust our schedules and offer the bulk of our programming during the early morning and evening hours when temperatures are typically cooler. We also encourage outdoor enthusiasts to rehydrate frequently and remind them to have fun while exercising responsibly,” stated R.J. Cardin, director for Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department.
As part of a summer full of nationwide activities and community celebrations, NRPA is asking you to celebrate a month that highlights the hard work and dedication of park and recreation supporters across the country, and the joy that comes from our places and spaces.
Community support for parks and recreation services is vital to their existence, and NRPA encourages citizens to lend a hand to their local agencies through volunteer efforts. The County park system is always looking for volunteers to donate their time and energy in all of the parks at the contact stations, visitor centers, and campsites. For more information on volunteer programs, call the park of your choice directly, or phone (602) 506-2930.
For more information on Recreation and Parks Month, log on to www.nrpa.org, or visit www.maricopa.gov/parks to find out more about activities near you.
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