Get ready to unlock a lifetime of discovery this July with the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
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 the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation, 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 and recreation facilities. From STEM programming to innovative health and wellness opportunities, your Pensacola parks and recreation facilities have a wide variety of beneficial programs. NRPA and City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation are encouraging everyone to get out there and discover everything that is offered at their local parks and rec facilities!
In Pensacola, you can celebrate Park and Recreation month by having a picnic, playing at your favorite playground, attending an old-fashioned ice-cream social at Bayview Senior Center, watch a movie underneath the stars at Hill-Kelly Movies in the Park and so much more.
“July is the perfect time to highlight all the benefits parks and recreation provides right here in Pensacola,” said City of Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward. "Our local parks and recreation department directly contributes to reduced obesity rates, an improved ecosystem and increased property values.”
The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation 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.
Don’t just take our word for it. Here are just a few of the organizations who’ve recognized how the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department is positively impacting lives in this community.
- Florida Recreation and Parks Association 2011 Agency Excellence Award
- Florida Recreation and Parks Association 2013 Excellence in Sports Tourism Award
- Florida Department of Health – Healthy Weight Community Champion 2015-2017
- Arbor Day Foundation Tree City USA community since 1981
- Recipient of the Urban Land Institute North Florida Open Space Awards for the Vince Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park 2016
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 programs and activities offered by the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department and more at 850-436-5670 or visit online at www.playpensacola.com.