Park and Recreation month has been celebrated for nearly 40 years. It is celebrated through the month of July. This month is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — who maintain our country’s local, state and community parks.

This year's theme — “Where You Belong” — celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

This Park and Recreation Month let’s unite and uplift the many reasons why local parks and recreation truly embodies the essence of belonging. Together, we can demonstrate why these spaces are Where You Belong.

 We encourage everyone who supports parks and recreation to share how it has improved their community on social media using the hashtags #WhereYouBelong and #ParkandRecMonth24

Reasons why parks are important for our community:

• Parks offer the community a space to connect with nature.
• They provide a space for children to play, families to gather, and individuals to find moments of peace and relaxation.
• Parks also serve as vital green spaces that support local wildlife and help improve air quality.
• Community fosters a sense of togetherness and belonging among residents.
• Parks enhance the quality of life for everyone in the community. Whether it's through morning jogs, weekend picnics, or simply sitting on a bench and enjoying the scenery.

Did you know?

The City of San Bernardino has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. This prestigious title has been awarded to San Bernardino for its ongoing efforts to maintain and nurture its urban forest and improve the quality of life or its residents through a comprehensive urban forestry and tree management program. The program is led by the City’s Arborist (and Urban Forestry Supervisor) Matt McDonald and his staff. The city will soon display signage at its entry points in recognition of the award.