Park and Recreation Month 2023: Where Community Grows

Park and Recreation Professionals Day is Friday, July 21, 2023, and we invite community members and organizations to join us in showing appreciation for our local park and recreation professionals and volunteers. These individuals work tirelessly to ensure that our parks and recreational spaces thrive, providing countless opportunities for fun, relaxation, and personal growth. Take the time to visit active spaces in July and express your gratitude to the dedicated staff and volunteers who make these spaces possible.

Since 1985, July has been a month of celebration in the United States as communities come together to recognize the significance of parks and other recreation spaces. This annual event serves to promote the development of strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. It also offers an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of park and recreation professionals, who, along with countless part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers, dedicate themselves to maintaining our local, state, and community parks. This year's theme, "Where Community Grows," highlights the crucial role these professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services, and fostering the growth of our communities. Join us as we celebrate Park and Recreation Month 2023 and showcase the profound impact that parks and recreation have on our communities.

We’re thrilled that Maine has joined the growing number of states to formally recognize Park and Recreation Professionals Day. Read the proclamation here.

Park and recreation professionals are catalysts for positive change in our communities. Every single day, they make a significant impact on the lives of community members. Through their dedication, they create spaces that promote physical and mental well-being, encourage social interaction, and cultivate a sense of belonging. This year, let us unite and demonstrate to the world just how essential parks and recreation are to the fabric of our communities.

Partners for Healthy Eating and Active Living

Healthy Acadia stands as a Community Wellness Hub serving the residents of Hancock and Washington counties by connecting individuals and families with programs and services that advance health equity, improve health outcomes, and enhance their quality of life. By spearheading initiatives like Healthy Eating and Active Living, we actively combat obesity and strive to create healthier lifestyles for all.

Healthy Acadia is delighted to announce our partnership with Maine CDC, Maine Prevention Network, Maine Obesity Advisory Council, and Maine Parks and Recreation Association in engaging efforts to prevent obesity and promote healthy weight and well-being. By working together, we can make a significant impact on the health and wellness of our communities.

The Maine Obesity Advisory Council (MOAC) recommends outdoor recreational activities as a means to mitigate this issue. It is worth noting that Maine is one of the top five states in the country when it comes to the value outdoor recreation adds to the statewide GDP. In a recent report by the Bureau of Economic Analysis Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, Maine's outdoor recreation economy was valued at $3 billion and supported 41,000 jobs. Carolann Ouellette, Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, shared these insights during the testimonials for LD 1156: Maine Trails Bond, an act promoting the design, development, and maintenance of trails for outdoor recreation and active transportation.

Access to Parks and Recreation is Vital for Health and Wellness

Parks and recreation contribute to everything important in our lives. From health and wellness benefits to improved community livability, here are just a few examples:

Health and wellness benefits:

  • Connection to Nature for Human Health

  • Alleviation of Stress, Depression & AD disorders

  • Physical Activity & Healthy Lifestyles

  • Physical, Mental, and Emotional Therapy

  • Mitigate Obesity and Chronic Diseases

  • Youth & Family Development Nutrition

  • Healthy Food Production & Choices

  • Preventative Treatment for Criminal & Risky Behaviors

  • Prevention & Response for Opioids & Drug Abuse

  • Improved Functioning of People with Special Needs

  • Evidence-based Health Improvement Programs

  • Tobacco Bans in Public Spaces

Parks and leisure spaces:

  • Aquatics & Athletics

  • Parks and Park Amenities

  • Arenas and Event Venues

  • Concessions and Supplies

  • Healthy Competition

  • Nature & Environmental Centers

  • Hunting & Fishing

  • Active & Passive Leisure Activities

  • Cultural & Historical Interpretation

  • Public Assets & Spaces

  • Community Gardens & Special Use Spaces

  • Integrated Services across Disciplines & Jurisdictions

  • Positive Youth, Family & Adult Development

  • Quality & Enrichment of Life

Improved community livability:

  • Safety & Crime Mitigation

  • Placemaking

  • Historical and Cultural Preservation

  • Community Engagement

  • Forums for Public Art, Entertainment & Expression

  • Children & Youth Services

  • Safeguard Park Visitors and Recreationists

  • Public Spaces & Green Infrastructure

  • Connective Trails

  • Public-Private Partnerships

  • Business Development & Attraction

  • Research, Public Education & Advocacy

Parks and recreation encompass a wide range of activities and spaces that contribute to the well-being and enjoyment of our communities. They play a vital role in creating safe, engaging, and enriching environments for all.

Beyond connecting people to nature, local parks also play a vital role in nurturing environmental stewards. These stewards advocate for and protect our invaluable public resources, including our land, water, trees, open spaces, and wildlife. Our agency has recently launched an exciting new project aimed at enhancing environmental resilience in our community. Through this initiative, we are dedicated to preserving our natural heritage for future generations.

We also want to give a special shoutout to the many volunteers who support physical activity and outdoor recreation throughout our state. From parents and senior citizens to coaches, guides, physical education teachers, trail crews, and municipal recreation committees, these individuals are the true trailblazers and grassroots of thriving communities!

Thank You!

On Friday, July 21, 2023, we invite community members and organizations to show appreciation for local Park and Recreation professionals and volunteers.  

Let’s celebrate the power of parks and recreation in our lives. Take the time to visit your local active spaces, express gratitude to the staff and volunteers, and cherish the invaluable contributions they make to our communities.

 Visit these Active Spaces in July and express your gratitude to staff and volunteers.

Tracey Carlson