Governor Whitmer Proclaims July as Park and Recreation Month in Michigan

mParks and Local Agencies Celebrate Vital Role of Parks and Recreation in Thriving Communities

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially proclaimed July as Park and Recreation Month in Michigan, joining communities nationwide to celebrate the vital role parks and recreation play in building strong, healthy, and resilient communities. The Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks) is proud to join the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in this year’s national theme: Build Together, Play Together.
 
For more than 40 years, July has been recognized as Park and Recreation Month—an opportunity to highlight the essential services provided by more than 160,000 full-time professionals and hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers who make our parks, trails, playgrounds, and community programs possible. In Mich​igan, this work includes recreation programming and the planning, design, and maintenance of green spaces, trails, and natural resources that benefit millions of residents and visitors each year.
 
“Parks and recreation professionals are at the heart of what makes Michigan communities thrive,” said Nichole Fisher, Executive Director of mParks. “From summer camps and fitness classes to accessible trails and clean beaches, these dedicated individuals build the foundation for healthier, more connected, and resilient communities. This month is about celebrating all they do—and how parks and recreation bring us together.”
 
Celebrating 90 Years of Parks and Recreation Leadership
As part of this year’s Park and Recreation Month, mParks is also celebrating its 90th anniversary. Since 1935, mParks has supported and advanced the parks and recreation field across Michigan through advocacy, professional development, and statewide collaboration. From helping shape public policy to training future leaders, mParks has been a cornerstone of Michigan’s park and recreation legacy for nearly a century.
 
“mParks’ 90-year history reflects the enduring value of parks and recreation in our state,” said Chad Stevens, mParks President and Executive Director of DeWitt Area Recreation Authority. “We’re proud to have spent nine decades supporting the professionals, programs, and places that make Michigan a great place to live, play, and grow.”
 
Throughout 2025, mParks is inviting members, partners, and community members to share their stories, memories, and milestones that reflect the impact of parks and recreation in their lives. These stories will be highlighted online and at upcoming events.
 
Building Together, Playing Together
This year’s celebration focuses on the power of parks and recreation to build inclusive, accessible, and sustainable communities. Local agencies across Michigan are hosting events, programs, and public engagement campaigns throughout the month, inviting residents to share how parks and recreation improve their lives using the hashtag #BuildTogetherPlayTogether.
 
National research underscores the value of this work:

• 93% of U.S. adults say local parks and recreation services improve their mental health.
• 91% agree that parks and recreation is an essential service local government provides.
• More than 276 million people in the U.S. visited a local park or recreation facility in the past year.
• Local park and recreation agencies generated nearly $201 billion in economic activity and supported 1.1 million jobs nationwide.

 
Parks and recreation also play a critical role in environmental stewardship and climate resilience, managing over 11 million acres of open space nationwide. From reducing flood risk to improving air quality and cooling our cities, well-designed parks are essential infrastructure.
 
Join the Celebration
mParks encourages all Michigan residents to get involved this July by:

• Attending a local event or program hosted by your community’s parks and recreation department.
• Sharing your story or favorite park memory using #BuildTogetherPlayTogether and tagging @mParksRec or by emailing [email protected].
• Thanking a parks and recreation professional for the work they do.