July is Park and Recreation Month! The theme this year is “We Rise Up,” and South Suburban is celebrating the many ways parks and recreation services make our community stronger, more vibrant and more resilient.

Mental & Physical Wellbeing
According to NRPA, 93 percent of U.S. adults say local parks and recreation services improve their mental health. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, promotes healthy weight, and much more.

South Suburban offers many free and low-cost programs to promote mental and physical wellbeing. Rise Up this month by joining a drop-in group fitness class to connect with new friends, feeding your creative spirit with an art class, or enjoying the beauty of your favorite park or trail!

Environmental Protection & Stewardship
Parks and natural open spaces help lower ground temperatures, clean water, reduce flooding and contribute to healthier air. South Suburban is proud to protect and preserve nearly 4,000 square miles of natural space, 100 miles of trails and more than 100 parks for our community to enjoy for generations to come.

South Suburban naturalists Rise Up to educate residents and inspire environmental stewardship through their Ask a Naturalist program and other efforts. Stop by South Platte Park or reach out on Facebook to learn more about the wonders of our local environment! 

Economic Opportunity
Local park and recreation agencies across the U.S. employ more than 165,000 full-time and hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal professionals, according to NRPA. Parks and recreation organizations are also one of the largest employers of youth in the country.

South Suburban employs nearly 1,500 staff who Rise Up every day to care for parks and open spaces, teach new skills in camps and classes, keep swimmers safe, coach future champions, and so much more.

Learn more about Park and Recreation Month at nrpa.org/july. Have parks and recreation improved your life? Join the conversation using #RiseUpJuly!