Florida Celebrates July as National Recreation and Parks Month

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 07/03/2018 04:02 PM EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 3, 2018

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

Florida Celebrates July as National Recreation
and Parks Month

~Summer is a great time to get outside and explore Florida's natural beauty~

Florida State Parks provide various opportunities for recreation, including paddling with family.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In recognition of the outstanding Florida State Parks, Governor Scott has proclaimed July as Recreation and Parks Month in Florida. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service encourages residents and visitors to spend time outside this month enjoying the recreational opportunities throughout Florida State Parks.

"People from across the world come to Florida to enjoy our state's natural beauty," said Governor Rick Scott. "I encourage all Floridians and visitors to take advantage of our 175 state parks and enjoy the surroundings of Florida during Recreation and Parks Month. Our state parks are the best in the country. In fact, the Florida State Park Service is the only park system to win three gold medals from the National Recreation and Park Association. I hope that families will be able to get outside and enjoy our world-class parks this month."

Recreation and Parks Month focuses on celebrating public lands and resources while encouraging communities to come together to enjoy time outside. From the rustic pine forests and rivers of North Florida, to refreshing natural springs and white-sand beaches, all the way down to the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys, the state's naturally diverse landscape is an outdoor playground for all ages. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service is committed to providing visitors with experiences they will remember.

"Florida’s award-winning state parks and other public lands offer many unique opportunities for Floridians and visitors to enjoy spending time outside among some of the nation’s most beautiful natural resources," said DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein. "Our staff works tirelessly to protect and preserve Florida's environment, and I encourage everyone to spend more time outside enjoying the recreational opportunities in state parks."

With students out of school and families planning getaways, July is the perfect time to celebrate the environment by enjoying the state's beautiful green spaces and blue waterways. Florida's 175 state parks and trails provide opportunities to ride bicycles or horses, paddle kayaks or canoes, enjoy birds and butterflies, set up camp and more.

Some of the family-friendly activities during Recreation and Parks Month at state parks include:

Old-Fashioned Picnic, July 4, 2018, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Barnacle Historic State Park
Beach Exploratory Walk, July 6, 2018, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
Beach Cleanup, July 7, 2018, 8 a.m. to noon, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Kayaking the Mangroves, July 7, 2018, 10 a.m., Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
An Evening Under the Stars, July 7, 2018, 7:15 to 11 p.m. CDT, Big Lagoon State Park

Plan a trip around one of the many e vents hosted around the state at Florida State Parks throughout the year.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

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