July is Park and Recreation Month, and this year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together“, is all about celebrating how parks create spaces where everyone belongs. From quiet moments in nature to big community events, parks and recreation connect us, inspire us, and help us thrive.
At the June 25 meeting, the Park Board of Commissioners approved a resolution declaring July as Parks & Recreation Month in Highland Park, recognizing the many ways parks, facilities, and programs enrich our community.
Here in Highland Park, we’re proud to offer parks, facilities, and programs that make our community stronger, more vibrant, and more connected. Here are ten ways parks and recreation bring us together and ideas for how you can celebrate this July and beyond.
- Creating Shared Spaces for All
- Our parks and facilities welcome every age and ability, offering spaces where everyone can come together.
- Family Swim Night is a perfect way to splash, play, and make summer memories with your loved ones.
- Supporting Health and Wellness
- Fitness classes, sports courts, and miles of trails help keep our community active and healthy.
- Grab a paddle and play some pickleball at one of our 16 courts at Danny Cunniff Park.
- Bringing Neighbors Together Through Events
- Parks are home to annual celebrations that bring neighbors together.
- Don’t Miss: Independence Fest our biggest event of the summer! Celebrate Independence Day with family activities, food, and community spirit.
- Cultivating Environmental Stewardship
- Our parks inspire everyone to care for nature. Volunteer programs, educational events, and conservation initiatives help protect our green spaces.
- Help with a volunteer day or join a nature program at Heller Nature Center.
- Creating Opportunities for Lifelong Learning
- Parks and programs spark curiosity and creativity at every age.
- Join a naturalist to at our Under the Sun event to explore what makes the sun unique through hands-on experiments and sunny art projects.
- Supporting Mental Well-being
- Fostering Inclusion and Belonging
- From accessible facilities to welcoming programs, our parks are designed for everyone to feel included.
- Try a new class or bring a friend to explore a park you haven’t visited before through our interactive map!
- Encouraging Outdoor Play and Adventure
- Adventure is waiting just outside your door. Whether you’re biking, hiking, or just exploring, there’s always something new to discover.
- Make a summer bucket list of trails and parks to visit.
- Strengthening Local Connections
- Parks are the perfect place to meet neighbors and build friendships, whether during a casual meetup or a community project.
- Host a picnic with neighbors in your favorite park.
- Celebrating Community Spirit
- Parks thrive thanks to the energy and involvement of our community.
- Come cheer on our summer campers as they take part in the World’s Largest Pickleball Lesson! It’s a great way to celebrate recreation and community together.
This July, we invite you to explore, play, and connect. Together, we’re building a community where everyone feels at home. Let’s celebrate Park and Recreation Month and everything that makes Highland Park special!
