July is National Parks and Recreation Month

Updated: July 1, 2023

Proclaiming July as Park and Recreation Month is an opportunity for your community and local leadership to officially acknowledge the importance of parks and recreation and the benefits it provides to the people [they] serve. — National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

Park and Recreation Month 2023: Where Community Grows

Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation and to recognize the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — that maintain our country’s local, state and community parks.
This year’s theme — “Where Community Grows” — celebrates the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services and fostering the growth of our communities. — National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

Plan a visit to a NYC, NYS or National Park

• NYC Parks
  • A Timeline of New York City Department of Parks & Recreation History
  • Places to go: A directory of the most beautiful parks, playgrounds and gardens in NYC
• NYS Parks
• National Park Service
• National Recreation and Park Association

NYC Parks Activities

• NYC Parks Calendar of Events
• Sign up for a weekly guide to NYC’s Parks (click “Get email updates”)

Walking Tours

Free Tours by Foot

• New York Tours
• Click on calendar to view daily events

Governor’s Island

• Bring a picnic. Food is available.
• Ferry cost $4 per person round trip. Rent bikes or bring your own. 
• Spectacular views of NY harbor and the Statue of Liberty
• Things to do
• Events

Queens Night Market

• Choose from local food vendors for an evening of great eating
• Music performances

Bryant Park

• Check out programs to see what’s happening in July

Central Park

• Guided tours and walks
• Free entertainment

Types of Parks, Designs, and Features – Digital Public Library of America
Things to Do – Central Park Conservancy
Activities & Resources – New York Restoration Project
Events July 2023 – NY.gov
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Events for July 2023 – NY.gov
Why New York State Parks & Historic Sites Matter – Parks and Trails New York
Summerstage – CityParks Foundation
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation – ArtPark
Hudson River Park’s Sunset on the Hudson – New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
LGBTQ+ History at 5 National Parks – National Parks Conservation Association

NY State Parks

• In NYC
• On Long Island
• In the Westchester/Taconic area
• Sign up for NYS Parks, Recreation and Preservation email updates

Articles on the Health Benefits of Parks

• Parks, trails and health: How Parks effect our physical health – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Why Parks and Recreation are Essential Public Services – National Recreation and Parks Association
• Parks and Improved Mental Health and Quality of Life – National Recreation and Parks Association
• Mental Benefits of the National Parks – National Parks Service
• The One Health Concept – National Parks Service