The month of July is dedicated to celebrating the impact of parks on communities
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is celebrating Park and Recreation month throughout July. This year, the celebration is themed around the ways that parks and recreation make communities stronger, more resilient, and healthier. The celebration promotes the various benefits of well-developed parks and recreation for a community, including things like activities and resources for residents, and also combating obesity. The NRPA wants to use July to highlight the exponential value of park and recreation professionals in addition. NRPA President and CEO, Kristine Stratton said, "Park and recreation professionals have demonstrated time and time again how essential they are to our communities, and we are excited to celebrate their contributions." Annual Park and Recreation Month has been celebrated in July since 1985 and is still celebrated today for the same reason: to promote the benefits of parks and recreation on communities.