Although Santa Monica is internationally known for its iconic beach and world-class public spaces, the Wellbeing Project recently revealed that few locals find the time to get out and enjoy their own community’s park and recreation resources.
Therefore, in honor of National Parks & Recreation Month, the City of Santa Monica is encouraging community members to rediscover the great outdoors this July.
“People come to Santa Monica from around the world to put their feet in our sand or go for a stroll in our parks,” said Santa Monica Mayor Kevin McKeown. “Our parks are where we play, relax, contemplate, have fun, and come together. This month let’s appreciate and enjoy the network of world-class open spaces to which Santa Monicans have access. See you in the park, or at the beach!”
Parks and recreation facilities are fundamental to a community’s health and vitality. They strengthen our individual and collective wellbeing – physically, socially, economically, ecologically, and culturally.
As part of National Parks & Recreation Month, the City of Santa Monica will highlight various ways to enjoy our network of parks, beach, and recreation facilities on a daily basis.
From checking out one of Santa Monica’s popup libraries at the beach to dropping by a Tongva After Dark performance to taking a midday break for lunch in the park, there are lots of ways to incorporate parks into our daily lives. For ideas, follow Active Santa Monica on Facebook or Twitter (@ActiveSM).
This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Parks & Recreation Month. The City of Santa Monica joins cities across the country in celebration of the power of parks and recreation programs to strength community, transform lives, and protect the future.
Originally advocated for by the National Parks & Recreation Association, July has been officially designated ‘National Parks & Recreation Month’ by the U.S. House of Representatives.
For information on Santa Monica’s parks, recreation facilities, and beach, visit www.smgov.net/parks.
