Recognizing the Importance of the Professionals Who Make Parks and Recreation Spaces Possible

Austin Parks and Recreation continues celebrating "The Power Of..." parks, recreation services, and the professionals who make these spaces possible during National Park and Recreation Month all July. Friday, July 17, 2026, is Park and Recreation Professionals Day, a day to honor the dedicated staff who build strong, vibrant and resilient communities.  

As part of the celebration, Austinites are encouraged to visit the I Am Austin Parks and Recreation photo exhibit on display in the City Hall Atrium, 301 W. 2nd St., July 13–24, 2026, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Curated by a pro-bono photographer and organizational storyteller, the exhibit captures real-life, work-in-action portraits of Austin Parks and Recreation staff paired with a personal quote that reveals what motivates them in their work.  

The I Am Austin Parks and Recreation exhibit offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the staff who care for Austin’s parks and recreation system – the people who repair, teach, coach, welcome, guide, clean, restore, protect, and create – each contributing to the vibrant parks and programs upon which Austin residents depend.  

"From creating safe, equitable spaces where everyone belongs, to conserving natural resources for future generations, Austin Parks and Recreation staff are proud to be at the heart of what makes our community active, healthy and connected to nature," said Jesús Aguirre, Director of Austin Parks and Recreation and NRPA Board of Directors Member. 

Austin Parks and Recreation and NRPA encourages everyone who supports parks and recreation to post about why their local park and recreation professionals are important to them on social media with #ThePowerOf. More information about National Park and Recreation Month is available at nrpa.org/events/july.  

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.