Summer is here and the Manatee County Commissioners have proclaimed July 2018 as Park and Recreation Month, which means it’s time to get out and discover the great things happening at your local parks, preserves, and recreation centers. This July, explore the “undiscovered” roles of local parks and recreation with Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department as they celebrate the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) Park and Recreation Month, A Lifetime of Discovery. Download Proclamation here.
Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. Created by NRPA, Park and Recreation Month specifically highlights the vital and powerful role local parks and recreation, such as Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources, play in conservation, health and wellness, and social equity efforts in communities all across the country.
This year, it’s all about highlighting the unique — and sometimes unknown — offerings of your local parks, preserves, and recreation facilities. Playgrounds, rec centers, sports leagues, summer camps are just a few of the things that come to mind when we think of parks and rec. But, parks and recreation is so much more than that. During Park and Recreation Month, discover all the ways parks and recreation can improve quality of life, like science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming; innovative health and wellness opportunities; outdoor education; wetland protection; maintenance; and more. NRPA and Manatee County Parks & Natural Resources are encouraging everyone to get out there and discover everything that is offered at their local parks, preserves, and rec facilities!
In Manatee County, you can celebrate Park and Recreation Month by simply taking a walk at Robinson or Emerson Point Preserve, visiting one of 46 county parks like Bennett or Conservatory, or sit back and relax while the kids play with their friends on the ball fields at Lakewood Ranch Park or one of several playgrounds at G.T. Bray Park.
“July is the perfect time to highlight all the benefits parks and recreation provides right here in Manatee County,” said Charlie Hunsicker, Director of the Parks and Natural Resources Department. Our local parks, preserves, and recreational programming directly contributes to reduced obesity rates, an improved ecosystem and increased property values.”
The Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources Department is leading initiatives and providing opportunities for people of all ages to achieve healthier lifestyles, promote and understand nature and conservation as well as bringing the community closer through a variety of programs and services.
Nationally, NRPA is celebrating Park and Recreation Month with a weekly contest encouraging people to show them the unique things they’ve discovered at their local parks. NRPA also encourages everyone that support parks and recreation to share something new they’ve discovered with the hashtag #DiscoverJuly. For more information about the contest and Park and Recreation Month in general, visit www.nrpa.org/July.
Learn about the exciting Park and Natural Resources activities planned for Manatee County at the G.T. Bray Recreation Center located at 5502 33rd Avenue Dr. W. in Bradenton, or visit online at mymanatee.org/parks.