July Feature: National Parks and Recreation Month
Advocate for the Great Outdoors during National Parks and Recreation Month!
Recreation facilities and parks across the country annually designate the month of July as a time to celebrate the kick-off of summer programming. It’s also an opportunity to unite communities in volunteer efforts, to get citizens involved in outdoor physical activities, and to rekindle an awareness of the importance of our national parks.
Many Reasons to Celebrate
Not only do public parks help produce healthier, more active citizens, they also contribute to economic development and revitalization efforts, support historic preservation and tourism, reinforce a unique sense of place, and increase the value — both real and perceived — of our neighborhoods.
Employees and volunteers worldwide ensure that public parks and recreation facilities are safe and accessible places for all citizens to enjoy by:
- Organizing and coaching youth sports teams
- Providing educational programming on health, nutrition, first aid, and gardening
- Advocating for more open space and better trails
- Raising funds for local improvements
Looking for inspiration for your own neighborhood? Tailor the following ideas to suit your needs:
- Support our nation’s troops in conjunction with Independence Day by hosting a craft or letter-writing event at a local park for community members and children
- Sponsor a culture and history day by inviting local experts and historians to educate visitors about your area’s cultural history and beginnings
- Educate yourself and others on safety issues — from biking and roller blading to heat and sun exposure and fire safety
- Honor your volunteers by devoting an entire day to those who help out in your community
Video: Emily Navarro, from Charity Navigator, talking about the benefits of our national parks.
From the Effective Practices Collection
- Preserving and enhancing trails with a local community-based organization
- Using California State Parks as a service-learning resource
- Performing community service at an historic ranch
- Volunteering as a family: 20 tips
From The Resource Center Library
From the Online Learning Center
Links to Useful Websites
- National Park Service: U.S. Department of the Interior
- National Parks Conservation Association
- National Recreation and Park Association
State and local governments are beginning to receive funds offered through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress. Learn the right strategies for tapping into those funds in order to create jobs and enhancements to your infrastructure and services to your community. Listen to the Audio File for Stimulus Funding Webinar from the National Recreation and Park Association.
