Cary Park District notes
Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has designated the month of July as Recreation and Parks Month. Recreation facilities and parks across the country annually use July to celebrate the kick-off of summer programming as well as a time to pull their communities together to volunteer, get involved in great outdoor physical activities and advocate for parks and recreation.
Research shows that 75 percent of Americans live within two miles of a public park or recreation facility. And, more than 75 percent of the population takes advantage of their local parks and recreation facilities - this amounts to a staggering 192 million people visiting annually.
As part of this year's celebration, the Cary Park District invites residents to celebrate Recreation and Parks Month by discovering the benefits of recreation while visiting local parks and facilities and participating in recreational activities.
"The month of July is packed with activities for the community to come together and celebrate said Katie Hughes, Director of Communications and Marketing.
Concert in the Park: Throughout July, the Park District continues the annual Concert In The Park series at the Lions Park Rotary Bandshell. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are free to the public. The remaining dates and musical acts are: Final Say (July 10), British Export (July 17), and The Only Sons (July 24).
Children entertainment series: The Children's Entertainment Series is a daytime event offered Friday afternoons from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Lions Park Rotary Bandshell. The line up is Dave Rudolf-Beach Party (July 11), Dennis DeBondt-Magician (July 18), and Chris Fascione-Storyteller (July 25).
Natural Area Workday: The natural area workday, held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.. July 12 is a great opportunity for adults and adult-led youth groups to assist the Park District in preserving and restoring natural areas. Participants can collect seeds, plant native species of flora, or remove brush and debris. Interested participants and groups should call Ben Rea at (847) 639-8440, ext.200.
Rail Jam: Rail Jam is a great afternoon of skating fun for skaters age 8 to 18. Skaters can participate in a skills competition, skate demonstration, free skate and tips from the pros. This event is free and will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at the Lions Park Skate Park.
For more information on Recreation and Parks Month, visit www.nrpa.org or visit www.carypark.com for more information on activities.
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of some 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.
Headquartered in Ashburn, VA., NRPA works closely with local, state, and national recreation and park agencies, citizen groups and corporations to carry out its objective. Priorities include advocating favorable legislation and public policy; continuing education for park and recreation professionals and citizens; providing professional certification, university accreditation, research and technical assistance; and increasing public awareness of the importance of parks and recreation. For more information visit, www.nrpa.org.
Also, The Cary Park District will offer, as part of the Children's Entertainment Series, Dave Rudolph-Beach Party.
The event is scheduled from noon to 12:45 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Lions Park Rotary Bandshell, Cary.
Children can listen to great beach music and have fun in the sun during this interactive party.