Since 1985, America has celebrated July as Park and Recreation Month. A program of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the goal is to raise awareness of the vital impact that parks and recreation has on communities across the U.S. 

Every park has a history made up of thousands of stories that help to define it. This July, let's tell our park and recreation story! Parks are at the center of so many experiences and memories - moments that park and recreation make happen. Our local parks are often our first experiences in nature, our introduction to a favorite hobby or physical activity. They are places to gather with friends and family, spaces to celebrate life's special moments, spots of respite and healing, sites that connect us with essential community services, and so much more. Local parks have been essential throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with many of our community members finding a new appreciation for the essential spaces and vital programs of parks and recreation. 

Tell Your Story!

This year for Park and Recreation Month, we want to hear your stories about what parks and recreation means to you! This year's theme for Park and Recreation Month is "Our Park and Recreation Story", and we want to highlight the stories of how our community is stronger, more vibrant and more resilient because of parks and recreation. 

Each year we celebrate Park and Recreation Month with a photo contest. This year, we are asking for something just a bit different. Along with submitting your pictures, we are asking contestants to also send in their favorite Port Orange Parks and Recreation stories. To enter your story and photo, send a direct message to the Port Orange Parks Facebook page. There are three rules:

1. The photo must be taken at a City event or program, or in a City park.

2. The story must be 300 words or less.

3. Your photo and story must be posted on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #myPOPRstory and messaged to us on Facebook.

These stories and photos will be entered into a competition to choose this year's Holiday Parade Grand Marshal - an opportunity for you and your family to lead the Holiday Parade in December!

Animal Search at City Center

Port Orange Parks and Recreation has partnered with the Port Orange Public Library to bring you this summer's animal search! All month long, animals will be hiding in the trees around City Center Park! Visit the park, search for all 10 animals hiding in the park, and report your findings at volusialibrary.org/kids

Link to Animal Search Flyer - Click Here

Parks and Rec Month Calendar

Click here for the link to a PDF of the Parks and Rec Month calendar created by Port Orange Parks and Recreation.  This printable calendar is full of activities and ideas to help you enjoy the Parks and Recreation opportunities available to you in the City of Port Orange.

Follow us on Facebook @PortOrangeParks to see all of the fun we have planned for the month of July and year-round! For more information on Parks and Recreation month, go to www.nrpa.org/july.

#PortOrangeParks     #WeAreParksAndRec