Join Oakland County Parks and Recreation to honor National Park and Recreation Month and shine a light on the essential role parks play in building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities countywide. This has proven especially true during the pandemic, when parks have served as a lifeline for people seeking respite in nature and outdoor activities.
It is also an opportunity to recognize the many dedicated parks and recreation professionals who work hard every day to maintain our county and community parks and to provide excellent recreation programming, services, and activities for Oakland County residents and visitors.
All month long, Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) will be sharing stories on their social media channels from staff, and will feature aspects of the parks system that have supported the health and wellbeing of people in our communities during a uniquely challenging time.
Oakland County residents are invited to join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to celebrate National Park and Recreation Month by reflecting on how parks have impacted their lives and by sharing their stories, memories, or experiences using the hashtags #OaklandCounty, #OaklandCountyParks, and #RiseUpJuly. They are also encouraged to take this opportunity to express their appreciation to the parks and recreation staff working hard in their communities or at their favorite parks.
Another great way to honor National Park and Recreation Month is to get out and enjoy all that our 14 beautiful Oakland County Parks have to offer. Whether cooling off at one of our two waterparks, hiking or biking our nearly 80 miles of paved and natural trails or taking your furry friend to the dog park, there is so much to do this summer. It is the perfect time to check out Holly Oaks ORV Park or get together with family and friends to camp, fish, or play a round of disc golf.
“Oakland County is blessed with an abundance of extraordinary outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources, including more than 66,000 acres of state, regional, county and local parkland, and more inland lakes than any other county in Michigan. We hope you will take some time – in recognition of Park and Recreation Month – to visit these amazing resources located in our own backyards and to share your experiences on social media.”
–Gary R. McGillivray, Oakland County Commissioner and Chairman of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution designating July as Park and Recreation Month in Oakland County at their full board meeting on June 23. The resolution was introduced by McGillivray and co-sponsored by Commissioners Penny Luebs and Kristen Nelson. It passed unanimously. The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is scheduled to approve a similar resolution at its next meeting on July 6.
Since 1985, America has celebrated July as National Park and Recreation Month. A program of the National Recreation and Park Association, the goal is to raise awareness of the essential services that park and recreation professionals provide to communities across the country. This year’s theme is “We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation.”
To learn more, visit OaklandCountyParks.com or connect with OCPR on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
All photos are courtesy of Oakland County Parks and Recreation.
Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.