PRPS Celebrates First Ever Park & Recreation Professionals Day July 19 Across Pennsylvania

The PA Recreation and Park Society will celebrate Park and Recreation Professionals Day in Pennsylvania on July 19.

What is a park without those who keep them safe, clean and ready to use? Who brings life-enriching services to all ages and abilities?

Park and recreation professionals and their volunteer cohorts. That’s who!

On July 19, celebrate the normally unsung services of some 8,000 Pennsylvania park and recreation professionals, along with thousands of other volunteers who contribute to our wellbeing by serving on Boards, Committees, Commissions, Friends, Neighborhoods, Trails and other groups, by visiting a park on the first ever Pennsylvania Park and Recreation Professionals Day.

Pennsylvanians are blessed to own more than 6,000 community parks and 12,000 miles of trails in every nook and county, and 121 (award-winning!) state parks, with one within 25 miles of nearly every resident.

And along with them are countless playgrounds, pools, beaches, campsites, marinas, picnic areas, athletic fields, skate parks, dog parks, festival venues, gardens, visitor centers, historic and cultural attractions, and many other recreational facilities and amenities.

The healthful value and relative importance that Pennsylvanians place on their parks and natural areas is shown in the fact that, although Pennsylvania is the 33rd largest state, only Alaskans and Californians have more park land.

To add to the celebration, the House June 4 adopted House Resolution 370 (James-R- Venango) designating July 19 as Pennsylvania Park and Recreation Professionals Day in Pennsylvania (sponsor summary).
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 148 (Killion-R-Delaware) recognizing Pennsylvania Park and Recreation Professionals Day on June 4 (sponsor summary).

Pennsylvania Park and Recreation Professionals Day is coordinated by the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society to honor those who plan, provide, and operate our parks, trails, programs and facilities for all our citizens.

This third Friday in July, visit a favorite or nearby park to bask in its all its many benefits, as well as show a little appreciation to the programmers, managers, maintainers, landscapers, facilitators, lifeguards, coaches, event organizers and caretakers who enhance the experience for all of us.

For more information on how you can help celebrate, visit the PRPS Park & Recreation Professionals Day webpage.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and training opportunities, visit the PA Recreation and Park Society website.  Like them on Facebook,  Follow them on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel, and find them on Instagram.  Click Here to support their work.