July is Parks and Recreation Month

July is Parks & Recreation Month

The POWER OF Parks & Recreation

In July 2026, Park and Recreation Month highlights “The Power Of” parks and recreation and the people who make it all possible. Parks and recreation brings us together, strengthens our health and well-being, and builds more resilient, connected communities.

Throughout the month, we’re celebrating the many ways parks and recreation reveals the power of what connects us:

  • The Power of Connection: Parks and recreation is where relationships grow, cultures meet and communities bond.
  • The Power of Play: From playgrounds to programs to youth sports, play fuels creativity, joy and lifelong learning.
  • The Power of Community: Public spaces offer room for everyone to gather, celebrate and heal.
  • The Power of Nature: Nature restores and inspires us, and parks ensure everyone can access its benefits.
  • The Power of Belonging: Welcoming parks and programs make every person feel valued.
  • The Power of Well-Being: Parks and recreation advances health, resilience and shared community benefits.

Join us this July to celebrate the transformative power of parks and recreation. 

Parks & Recreation Month Special Events!

  • July 1-30 – PASSPORT CHALLENGE!
  • July 9 – FREE admission to Patterson Lake Recreation Area with a Beach Party from 3:00-6:00 pm.
  • July 16 – FREE green fees at Heart River Golf Course from 10:00 am-4:00 pm.
  • July 23 – FREE admission to the West River Community Center and the West River Pool Party from 12:00-7:00 pm.
  • July 30 – FREE Public Ice Skating from 1:30-3:30 pm.

Play Your Way Passport Challenge

Join this FREE activity for the month of July and win fun prizes!
How it works:
  • Pick up a passport at participating DPRD facilities.
  • Visit locations or participate in the activities listed on the passport (parks, programs, classes, events or facilities).
  • Get stamped for each completed activity.
  • Turn in your completed passport for prizes!

Why do we celebrate Parks & Recreation Month?

  • Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation and to recognize the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — that maintain our country’s local, state and community parks.
  • Through efforts by NRPA, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an official resolution for Park and Recreation Month in 2009, and introduced the resolution in 2017 and 2018.
  • Park and recreation agencies across the nation are recognizing the month with summer programs, events, contests, commemorations and celebrations.
  • The services that park and recreation professionals provide are vital for our communities — from protecting open spaces and natural resources to helping fight obesity and providing activities and resources for all people.
  • Park and Recreation Month encourages everyone to reflect on the exponential value park and recreation professionals bring to communities.
  • It’s time to share why local parks and recreation is Where Community Grows! NRPA encourages everyone who supports parks and recreation to share how it has improved their community on social media using #WhereCommunityGrows.
  • For more information, visit nrpa.org/july.
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