Communities plan events to celebrate parks
Since 1985, America has celebrated July as Park and Recreation Month, but in July 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives made if official by passing a resolution with the help of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
"This year, NRPA is encouraging agencies and individuals to plan events and initiatives that communicate to local decision makers and the public the vital role that parks and recreation play for Americans, from health, to local development, to mental wellbeing," says Sherry MacDonald, NRPA Park and Recreation Month spokesperson. "We understand the hardships many communities are experiencing due to the country's current economic conditions. July is the time to publicly embrace parks and recreation and support what amount to important local economic, social and environmental engines for communities."
NRPA is encouraging several initiatives, including Visit a Park with Your Legislator Day, and a social media project, where people can visually communicate their personal connection to parks and recreation. A tool kit with "how to" guides, calendars, media templates, posters and factsheets is available on the official Park and Recreation Month Web site at www.nrpa.org/july. Questions? E-mail july@nrpa.org.
- Read the "Measuring the green in greenspace" feature to learn about a new LEED-style rating system that is emerging to guide sustainable park development.
- Read the "Parks build community" sidebar to learn about the NRPA and the development of urban parks.
Amy Kapp is communications manager for the Ashburn, Va.-based National Recreation and Park Association.
