DEP CELEBRATES JULY AS RECREATION AND PARKS MONTH
~Grab family and friends and head to a state park this month for outdoor fun~
From bike riding in John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, kayaking in Koreshan State Historic Site, snorkeling in Blue Spring State Park or fishing in O'Leno State Park, there is an activity for everyone to enjoy during Recreation and Parks Month.
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida State Parks and Office of Greenways and Trails invites visitors and residents to visit a state park and trail for outdoor recreation, events and family fun all throughout July. Governor Rick Scott proclaimed July as Recreation and Parks month, observing that parks and recreation programs build family unity, strengthen neighborhood involvement and promote cultural diversity.
"July is the perfect time for residents and visitors to take the time to enjoy the many activities available at one of our award-winning state parks and trails," said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. "Florida's state parks are a great place for families and friends to experience the outdoors and build a healthy lifestyle together."
Recreation and Parks Month recognizes the importance of recreational and educational opportunities available at parks and trails, including boosting economies, attracting new business and increasing tourism. During the 2011-2012 fiscal year, nearly 25 million people visited Florida's 171 state parks and state trails.
This July, the Department encourages residents and visitors to visit a state park in their district for exciting events and activities. An easy way to plan a fun trip to a park this July is to download the Florida state parks mobile app, available for free download for smartphone users. This interactive guide gives users access to all state parks and trails with information on park amenities, facility maps and a real-time calendar of events.
Kick off Recreation and Parks Month by attending an event being hosted this week at a state park or trail:
Northwest District:
Americana Under the Stars
5:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 4
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Santa Rosa Beach
Guided Kayak Paddle on Lake Hall
6:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, July 6
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Tallahassee
Northeast District:
First Weekend Union Garrisons
9:00 a.m.
Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7
Fort Clinch State Park
Fernandina Beach
Central District:
Crabbing for Beginners
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Friday, July 5
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
Flagler Beach
Kayak the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, June 7
Faver-Dykes State Park
St. Augustine
Southwest District:
Patriotic Family Fun Day
4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 6
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Bushnell
Southeast District:
