Every July, we celebrate Park and Recreation Month to recognize the vital role parks and recreation professionals play in building strong, vibrant communities across the nation. This year's theme, "Where You Belong," highlights how park and recreation departments foster a sense of belonging by providing welcoming spaces and inclusive programming for all ages and abilities.
The campaign honors the over 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals, along with the hundreds of thousands of part-time workers and volunteers, who maintain parks and facilities while creating essential community services and programs. Their efforts ensure public spaces are safe, accessible, and nurturing meaningful connections.
Here in Smyrna, our Parks and Recreation Department embodies this spirit of community engagement. They not only maintain our parks and recreational amenities, but provide entertaining programs that bring neighbors together, like the Blanket Concert Series, Lunch on the Lawn, Movie in the Park, Smyrna Handmade Market, and Summer Camps. By encouraging participation, they cultivate real community bonds.
Our local park offerings continue expanding to meet resident needs. The Village Green features new additions like a splash pad, playground, and stage. This spring, North Cooper Lake Park unveiled a pavilion with built-in grills able to accommodate 60-80 people - perfect for gatherings. Even more new parks are in the works to enhance our community spaces.
During Park and Recreation Month, get out and explore all that Smyrna Parks & Recreation has to offer! Discover a new park, attend an event, or just spend a relaxing afternoon outdoors. Smyrna Parks & Recreation also invites everyone to show appreciation for our local parks by sharing photos enjoying the facilities and programs on social media using #WhereYouBelong and #SmyrnaParks. Let's unite to celebrate the ways these spaces create that vital sense of belonging for all.