Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks’ Post

In just about TWO WEEKS Park and Recreation Month will be here 🥳 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. Each week of July we will be highlighting a different area of belonging... ⚽Week 1 (June 30-July 6): Kick off Park and Recreation Month 🫶Week 2 (July 7-13): Being an Advocate for Belonging: How fostering diversity, equity and inclusion builds community for all 🤸Week 3 (July 14-20): “Fit” In: Highlight the Health and Wellness programs that re-kindle belonging through community, inclusion, and self-assurance 🌱Week 4 (July 21-27): A Kinship With the Land: Promoting nature connectedness through harmony with the environment ♾️Week 5 (July 28-August 3): Belonging today, tomorrow and beyond; wrap up and reflect on the month; where is your community going due to parks and recreation? 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. Learn more and download the toolkit: https://bit.ly/3VoxVE6 #PowerOfParks #WhereYouBelong #ParkAndRecMonth #ParksAndRec #Conservation #Inclusion #Equity #Parks #Recreation

Nearly 2 in 3 park and recreation agencies have established formal DEI activities or plan to establish them in the immediate future 💪 As public gathering spaces and important community resources, having data on where parks and recreation is - and is going with their diversity, equity, and inclusion work - is incredibly helpful. Not only helpful to the professionals working toward inclusive spaces, but for the community members who are looking for safe spaces to turn to. Our Research team surveyed park and recreation leaders in early 2023 to gain a better understanding of their agencies’ DEI practices. It takes inventory of park and recreation agency DEI activities, the professional development opportunities provided to staff, and the challenges organizations face in their efforts to promote DEI practices. This survey is the basis of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Parks and Recreation Report. Access the report: https://lnkd.in/edm6P9kK #PowerOfParks #NRPAResearch #WhereCommunityGrows #ParksForEveryone

What does it mean to make a lasting impact? 🌳🏞️ Did you know that parks and playgrounds are more than just green spaces? They are the heartbeats of our communities, creating lasting impacts for all ages! Here's why they matter: 1️⃣ Health and Wellness: Parks provide a space for physical activity, allowing individuals to stay active, improve their fitness levels, and combat the risks of sedentary #lifestyles . 2️⃣ Bonding and Connection: Parks bring people together! They are places where families, friends, and neighbors can gather, creating a sense of community. From picnics to sports games, these spaces foster social interactions and strengthen relationships. 3️⃣ Mental Well-being: Nature has a remarkable effect on our #mentalhealth . Spending time in parks reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. So unwind, take a walk, and let the tranquility of nature rejuvenate your mind and soul. 4️⃣ Childhood Development: Playgrounds are crucial for children's development. They encourage physical coordination, #imagination, and social skills. Swing, slide, or climb – let them explore and grow in a safe, fun environment! 5️⃣ Environmental Benefits: Parks contribute to a greener, cleaner world. They improve air quality, conserve biodiversity, and reduce the urban heat island effect. By supporting parks, we are investing in a sustainable future for generations to come. 📢 Partner with IMPACT Parks to build a community park and create a lasting impact with measurable data for years to come 🌿 Let's Chat: https://hubs.ly/Q027hqkz0 #ParksAndPlaygrounds #CommunityLove #NatureIsCalling

Hiring qualified summer staff is critical to the success of our summer program offerings.

Parks and Recreation - An Essential Service! Confirming what many of us already knew! A recent report by the National Recreation and Park Association found that local park and recreation agencies generated more than $201 billion in economic activity and supported more than 1.1 million jobs in 2021. And Colorado achieved the sixth highest return of any state with over $7 billion in economic benefits! It's time to recognize that parks and recreation is a critical element for the health and wellness benefits of our citizens, and also for the economic health of our communities. https://lnkd.in/gBUZUFJ2

Explore the profound impact of community engagement and inclusivity in our blog post: "Cultivating Thriving Parks and Recreation Spaces: The Power of Community Engagement and Inclusivity." Learn how prioritizing inclusivity can transform parks into vibrant community hubs that cater to all residents. Read now to discover actionable steps for creating thriving, inclusive spaces. #CommunityEngagement #Inclusivity #LocalGovernment #ParksAndRecreation #WeLoveOurParks CivicPlus https://lnkd.in/gE6MtKGd

Explore the profound impact of community engagement and inclusivity in our blog post: "Cultivating Thriving Parks and Recreation Spaces: The Power of Community Engagement and Inclusivity." Learn how prioritizing inclusivity can transform parks into vibrant community hubs that cater to all residents. Read now to discover actionable steps for creating thriving, inclusive spaces. #CommunityEngagement #Inclusivity #LocalGovernment #ParksAndRecreation #WeLoveOurParks CivicPlus https://lnkd.in/ggDBev_m

Explore the profound impact of community engagement and inclusivity in our blog post: "Cultivating Thriving Parks and Recreation Spaces: The Power of Community Engagement and Inclusivity." Learn how prioritizing inclusivity can transform parks into vibrant community hubs that cater to all residents. Read now to discover actionable steps for creating thriving, inclusive spaces. #CommunityEngagement #Inclusivity #LocalGovernment #ParksAndRecreation #WeLoveOurParks CivicPlus https://lnkd.in/gjY4-T5e

Explore the profound impact of community engagement and inclusivity in our blog post: "Cultivating Thriving Parks and Recreation Spaces: The Power of Community Engagement and Inclusivity." Learn how prioritizing inclusivity can transform parks into vibrant community hubs that cater to all residents. Read now to discover actionable steps for creating thriving, inclusive spaces. #CommunityEngagement #Inclusivity #LocalGovernment #ParksAndRecreation #WeLoveOurParks CivicPlus https://lnkd.in/e-3UDRwh