July is National Parks and Recreation Month!

July is National Parks and Recreation Month with this year’s theme of “Our Park and Recreation Story”. Share your story on social media with the hashtag #OurParkAndRecStory. In addition, email us your story by July 22 to be entered into a drawing for great prizes. We are currently taking registration for our adult fitness classes, Pickleball, senior line dancing, youth fall soccer, bird walks, and more. Visit our website for information and to register at www.yorkcounty.gov/parksandrec.

The health and wellness benefits of parks and recreation:

• The Centers for Disease Control found that increased access to places for physical activity led to a 25.6 percent increase in people exercising 3 or more times per week.
• Living close to parks and other recreation facilities are consistently related to higher physical activity levels for both adults and youth. Moreover, parks provide a connection to nature, which studies demonstrate relieves stress, strengthens interpersonal relationships, and improves mental health.
• Various research studies are confirming that community parks and recreation, green spaces, and time outdoors are critical for creating healthy, active, and sustainable communities.
• Children that have easy access to a playground are approximately five times more likely to have a healthy weight than children that do not have easy access to playgrounds.
• In the U.S., 93 percent of adults say their mental health is improved by services offered by local park and recreation professionals and agencies.
• According to the June 2021 NRPA Park Pulse, the top three mental health opportunities found in parks and recreation are socializing with friends and family, spending time in nature, and exercising.
• The nation’s park and recreation professionals are on the frontline in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, homelessness, substance use disorder, the obesity epidemic, and other chronic health issues.