Title
Resolution Recognizing and Celebrating July as Parks and Recreation Month
Body
Council Priority: Exceptional Customer Service and a Diverse City Government Workforce
Department: Parks and Recreation
Council District: All
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Mayor Vaughan, 373-2397
Contact 2 and Phone: Nasha McCray, 433-7360
PURPOSE:
This resolution affirms that July is Parks and Recreation Month and highlights the benefits that the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department provides to the community.
BACKGROUND:
Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has celebrated the month of July as Parks and Recreation Month. For over 85 years, the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department has been serving the city by providing desirable and diverse parks, facilities, and programs. Since its inception, the Department has established itself as not only an integral part of the Greensboro’s quality of life and economic viability, but also as an industry leader in being innovative, collaborative, and efficient towards meeting community recreational needs. The Department’s vision, “Enhance Expand Connect,” is a direct reflection of the City’s commitment of providing high quality parks, programs, and facilities that makes Greensboro the best place to be.
Through the support of the City Council, Parks and Recreation Commission, community partners and dedicated professionals, Greensboro Parks and Recreation provides progressive leadership, and develops and maintains strong partnerships with public and private organizations to literally and figuratively change the landscape of Greensboro. The department is one of 172 parks and recreation agencies in the country accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation (CAPRA) and is also a three-time winner and 2019 and 2020 finalist for the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal Award for excellence in park and recreation management. The award announcement will be in September 2020 at the virtual NRPA Conference. Additionally, a number of employees within the Department are considered subject matter experts in the recreation field, receiving awards and recognition and serving as a presenter at state and national conferences
The theme for this year’s Parks and Recreation Month is “We Are Parks and Recreation.” To celebrate, the department has planned a variety of activities to showcase not only the selfless work that its employees perform, but also the depth and breadth of opportunities available such as scavenger hunts, photo and video contests, and the award-winning, Adult Recess.
BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
For Council to decree and recognize that July is National Parks and Recreation Month and celebrate the Parks and Recreation Department’s efforts of creating transformative recreational experiences that improve the quality of life and contribute to the economic viability of Greensboro.