Launched in 1985, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Park and Recreation Month! Each July, communities across the country celebrate parks and parks and recreational professionals and how they improve the lives of tens of millions of people, making a lasting impact in communities across the country and right here in Davidson County. This year's theme ‘Build Together, Play Together ’ reminds us of the contributions of more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers throughout the nation— who maintain our country’s close-to-home parks.
“Our Parks and community centers are places of joy where we get to experience our neighborhoods and get to know our neighbors,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell. "We're making concerted efforts to make them the best they can be for Nashvillians by catching up on deferred maintenance and making targeted investments through our operating budget for improvement like great lighting and security."
Metro Parks and NRPA work together in the belief that park systems bring communities closer together
through connectivity to nature, and through wellness and recreational activities.
Metro Parks Director Monique Horton Odom said, “Build Together, Play Together encompasses the growth in Davidson County and the many ways the Nashville's park and recreation professionals create safe and inviting, wellness and recreational programs, that take place in inclusive and accessible spaces. Programs that Metro Parks provides promote meaningful connections, and essential services for all ages and abilities.”
‘National Park and Recreation Month is a time to reflect and celebrate the value and benefits of parks and recreation, and the individuals who work tirelessly to maintain our department. Their efforts alongside the support of Nashvillians make this department one the best parks departments in the nation. During July, there are many ways to celebrate through programming and activities taking place across the city. Whether it is a swimming lesson at community center pool, a walk with neighbors on a greenway, a night out at the Big Band Dances in Centennial Park, or a bird watching session at one of our four Nature Centers, our park employees make these activities possible, safe, welcoming, and memorable," she stated.
Metro Parks provides recreational outlets for all Nashvillians. Parks belong to everyone in our community. Community Centers provide no-cost summer enrichment programs for over 3,000 children in Davidson County each year. Seniors can participate in an array of programs from line dancing to water aerobics at our 27 community centers. Pickleball courts, tennis courts, and disc golf courses are available throughout the city. for citizens to enjoy.
Nashvillians can participate in the Parks and Recreation Month Photo Contest. During July, community members can submit one photo via email or tag Metro Parks on Instagram (@nashville_parks) or Facebook (Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation) a photograph of a park’s facility, greenway, or park. All submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31st. Four winners will be selected based on the contest categories -Nature, Recreation, Community, and Youth Entry (children 13 years and older). The winners of the contest will be notified on Monday, August 4 by 4:30 p.m. and will take home a Metro Parks swag bag filled with goodies and free facility passes to Metro Parks locations.
Park lovers should log on to the department’s social media platforms for videos, informational content, and recommendations for a wide range of recreational activities. Metro Parks and NRPA encourage Nashvillians to share their memories and experiences when visiting park locations throughout the month. All images and videos highlighting parks can feature a tag to our social media handles or posted with the hashtag #BuildTogetherPlayTogether. For more information about Park and Recreation Month, visit Parks' social media pages and our website at nashville.gov/parks.
About Metro Parks and Recreation
It is the mission of Metro Parks and Recreation to, sustainably and equitably, provide everyone in Nashville with an inviting network of parks and greenways that offer health, wellness, and quality of life through recreation, conservation, and community.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org