Do you LOVE your local parks and recreation? Then go on, brag about it this July and tell everyone what makes them so great! You might even WIN some great PRIZES! It’s not too late to get out and celebrate National Park and Recreation Month…and there’s extra incentive to do so, because in addition to enjoying the great outdoors with your family and fur kids, you can enter the photo contest for a chance to win a $100 or $500 gift card!

July is national Park and Recreation Month and your local parks are encouraging everyone to come out this month and experience all the wonderful aspects of parks and recreation.  Nationwide, recreation departments have organized events and activities to help families spend quality time together, enjoy nature and get active. This provides a great opportunity to not only make the most of the beautiful weather, but also to take a stand against the obesity epidemic and technology trends that consistently keep more kids indoors and living less active lifestyles.

As part of Park and Recreation Month, the National Recreation and Park Associationis encouraging everyone to show the love for local parks and recreation and wants everyone to answer the question, “I Love my Parks and Recreation Because…” They have a fill in the blank social media poster that can be filled in and shared, and a fun month-long weekly photo contest that encourages everyone to show and share the LOVE for local parks! The NRPA website includes information on all of the above initiatives, free downloadable resources as well as a calendar of events scheduled nationwide.

Check out the Show UR Love for Parks and Recreation Photo Contest! Submit photos that express your love for local parks and recreation areas following our weekly themes and get your friends to vote. They’ll be rewarding weekly prizes of $100 gift cards and a grand prize of one $500 gift card at the end of the month. Find out more information and get those cameras ready!

You don’t have to go far or spend lots of money to have fun — just have to head to your local parks and recreation. There are great places right in your community to go have some family fun all summer long. Most will even allow the fur kids to join you…just remember to check the rules, bring water for your dog, and always pick up after them!