Park & Recreation Month
What is Park and Recreation Month?
Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation and to recognize the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — that maintain our country’s local, state and community parks.
Park and recreation professionals provide vital services for our communities, from protecting open spaces and natural resources to helping fight obesity and providing activities and resources for all people. Park and Recreation Month encourages everyone to reflect on the exponential value park and recreation professionals bring to communities.
The Power Of Parks & Recreation
In July 2026, Park and Recreation Month highlights "The Power Of" parks and recreation and the people who make it all possible. Parks and recreation brings us together, strengthens our health and well-being, and builds more resilient, connected communities.
Throughout the month, we’re celebrating the many ways parks and recreation reveals the power of what connects us:
- The Power of Connection: Parks and recreation is where relationships grow, cultures meet and communities bond.
- The Power of Play: From playgrounds to programs to youth sports, play fuels creativity, joy and lifelong learning.
- The Power of Community: Public spaces offer room for everyone to gather, celebrate and heal.
- The Power of Nature: Nature restores and inspires us, and parks ensure everyone can access its benefits.
- The Power of Belonging: Welcoming parks and programs make every person feel valued.
- The Power of Well-Being: Parks and recreation advances health, resilience and shared community benefits.
Join us this July to celebrate the transformative power of parks and recreation.
For additional information, visit nrpa.org/july.
Calendar of Events
During Park & Recreation Month, we host a variety of events to celebrate and engage with our community! View our full calendar of events for July 2026 below!