In celebration of July's Park and Recreation Month, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has announced this year's theme as "We Are Parks and Recreation."

 
The NRPA says they want to highlight and thank park and recreation professionals and redefine the field as an essential, vital necessity. Included in this group are public health professionals, planners, environmental educators, engineers and more who, according to the NRPA, not only protect our open spaces, direct and manage parks and park programs, but also confront the nation's most pressing health, environmental and social challenges.

"Park and Recreation Month is a special time to honor all the dedicated professionals that work tirelessly to make our communities better places to work, live and play," said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, park and recreation professionals have been trusted community leaders adapting to support a host of rapid emergency response and relief services. This July, we encourage everyone to join us as we celebrate and thank these outstanding individuals for the vital work they do to support the people and places they so proudly serve.  To all of our members, we thank you for your service and dedication to the field."

The NRPA also states that local park agencies help drive a strong economy as shown in a recent study reporting they generated more than $166 billion in economic activity and supported more than 1 million jobs in 2017.

To commemorate the month, park and recreation professionals and agencies will be holding summer programs, virtual events, contests and more as well as asking for community participation in sharing their stories and gratitude through social media.

To learn more about Park and Recreation month and NRPA's Thank a Park and Rec Pro contest, visit www.nrpa.org/July.