City of Austin Proclaims July National Park and Recreation Month

On July 23, 2026, the Austin City Council and Austin Parks and Recreation announced an official city proclamation recognizing the vital role that parks and recreation play in improving the health, wellness and quality of life for all of our residents. The City of Austin joins communities across the nation in celebrating National Park and Recreation Month this July. With everything from newly renovated pools, parks and trails, to recreation centers and basketball courts – there are plenty of ways to take advantage of Austin's growing parks system! 
 
For more than 40 years, the United States has celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. As a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation, the National Recreation and Park Association, or NRPA, champions and supports the field of parks and recreation through professional development, advocacy, grants and programs, research, and publications.  

“This July, we honor the transformative role of parks and recreation in fostering belonging, wellness, and playful exploration, and celebrating the individuals who make it all possible.” said Jesús Aguirre, Director of Austin Parks and Recreation and NRPA Board of Directors Member. “We encourage everyone to make time to explore green spaces, play at a park, walk a trail, swim at a pool, visit a recreation center or play a sport at one of our many facilities throughout Austin.”

About the National Recreation and Park Association 
The National Recreation and Park Association or NRPA is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and supporters – the catalysts for positive change in service of parks for all, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks and Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.