The month-long celebration in July highlights the impact of parks and recreation here, there and everywhere. While strolling the Riverwalk and standing near the Centennial Park Memorial Rock (above), listen for fun-loving sounds from all ages enjoying Centennial Beach. (PN File Photo)

This July, Naperville Park District celebrates National Park and Recreation Month – an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) which recognizes the impact park districts have across the country and in their communities. The Naperville Park District’s mission “to provide recreation and park experiences that promote healthy lives, healthy minds and a healthy community” is ingrained in the vast and diverse recreation services the agency provides to the community – not just this month, but all year long.

With 140 parks located throughout Naperville and more than 7,500 recreational programs offered annually, the Naperville Park District offers services and amenities for residents of all ages to connect with one another and create memorable experiences. Additionally, the Naperville Park District hosts a variety of free events throughout the year families and friends can enjoy together. These range from seasonal events like Halloween Happening, to a series of events like A Night at the Movies. And residents can discover more activities every season through Park It! In Naperville, a campaign highlighting programs, activities and events within the community for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to celebrating parks and recreation nationally, Illinois will celebrate Park and Recreation Month in July as well. A state proclamation, presented to the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), recognizes the vital role that Illinois park districts, forest preserve districts, conservation districts, recreation, and special recreation agencies play in enriching the lives of Illinois residents of all ages. Illinois residents are encouraged to celebrate and support their local municipalities this month and year-round.
Unplug Illinois Day is set for Sat., July 12
During Park and Recreation Month, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) will be celebrating the seventh annual Unplug Illinois Day on Saturday, July 12. Unplug Illinois is a campaign created by IPRA to encourage people across Illinois to unplug from their electronics and enjoy everything their local park, recreation and conservation agencies have to offer.

The Naperville Park District provides amazing ways to take advantage of these national and statewide initiatives this summer. Visit www.napervilleparks.org for more information on programs, events, and recreation opportunities right here in your community.
Editor’s Note / Wonderful life lessons and experiences can be found while working for National Parks via the U.S. Department of Interior. As a college student, PN’s Publisher worked at Mount Rushmore between her sophomore and junior years, where she tallied up nearly four months of amazing memories while serving inquisitive visitors at the Shrine of Democracy. Folks came from all over the world to Keystone, South Dakota!
Centennial Beach lifeguards have memorable tales to tell about summer jobs, too!
FYI: According to Sameera Luthman, Director of Marketing and Communications, at the Naperville Park District, “We are not specifically looking for summer staff at this point, but anyone interested in finding out about current Naperville Park District job opportunities should visit napervilleparks.org/employment, as we have openings year-round.”