PARKS AND RECREATION
in physical therapy , speech therapy or occupational therapy . It is an opportunity to transfer the knowledge someone learns in other therapeutic settings in a fun way through recreational activity , which also contributes to growth and quality of life .”
Glenwood Springs ’ image and park and recreation story not only encapsulate the true meaning behind the “ Where Community Grows ” theme , but also supports NRPA ’ s mission of placing equity at the center of this impactful work .
THE TOOLKIT What ’ s more , the organization provides park and recreation agencies with NRPA ’ s Park and Recreation Month 2023 Outreach Toolkit ( https :// www . nrpa . org / events / july / toolkit /). This valuable resource helps agencies to promote and celebrate this month-long event in their communities . The toolkit includes : Media alerts for special events Press release templates Fact sheets Key messages for use during interviews Social media posts A sample editorial article agencies can submit to local publications
Park and recreation professionals should also utilize their social media channels , including Facebook , Twitter and Instagram , to share with their community how they are celebrating Park and Recreation Month with the hashtag # WhereCommunityGrows .
MAKE IT OFFICIAL Proclaiming July as Park and Recreation Month is an ideal way for a park and recreation agency ’ s community and local leadership to make an official acknowledgement of parks and recreation ’ s importance along with the benefits the field offers its community members . In addition , such a proclamation can draw local media attention , bringing greater awareness to your programs and service offerings .
However , agencies should note that every locality has its own policies on how to get a proclamation commemorating something ( or someone ) approved . Here is an outline of the usual process and tips on how to get July proclaimed as Park and Recreation Month in your community :
1 . Determine who has the authority to make the proclamation .
Usually , this is a locally elected official : mayor , city council , board of supervisors , parks and recreation commission , school board , etc . You may also want to ask around to see if there is an existing process for proclamations . 2 . Determine who should ask for the proclamation . The strongest case for having July declared as Park and Recreation Month in your local community would come from a voter ( a member of the general public ) rather than an elected official . 3 . Create the proclamation . Start with the template proclamation and include as much local information as possible . Make the case for the essential role parks and recreation plays in your community . 4 . Start now ! Timing is often the biggest issue . Your mayor or council may have designated dates and times per month when they consider proclamations and if you miss the deadline , you miss the opportunity .
This year , Park and Recreation Professionals Day takes place July 21 . This is an opportunity for agencies to host an event that recognizes the great work of their dedicated staff and allows community members to personally thank them for their tireless service .
GREAT WORK SHOULDN ’ T GO UNNOTICED Park and recreation professionals don ’ t always tout their essential work sufficiently despite the data showing that people depend on these services . In fact , “ 84 percent of U . S . adults seek high-quality parks and recreation when selecting a place to live ,” while “ nine in 10 people agree that parks is an important service provided by their local government .”
When it comes to telling their story , Jones said , “ I think a lot of times , there are challenges around communicating all of the things that an agency does in the community to their community members . Park and Recreation Month really gives them that avenue to just take already-created messaging featured in our toolkit , and then plug in the things that they are doing . It also helps to provide a unified front across all agencies .” This July , be sure to boast about your park and recreation agency ’ s accomplishments and show everyone all the ways in which your work helps to make communities grow . SFM
Vitisia Paynich is executive editor of Parks & Recreation magazine and director of print and online content at the National Recreation and Park Association ( NRPA ), the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong , vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation ( vpaynich @ nrpa . org ).
20 SportsField Management | July 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com