This year’s theme is “Out is In.” We are inspired to do activities that are normally done INside, OUTside. Think about an indoor activity that you do — a staff meeting, dinnertime or reading a book — and take it outside during the month of July.
Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. Created by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Park and Recreation Month specifically highlights the vital role local parks and recreation, such as Miami Gardens Parks & Recreation, play in conservation, health and wellness, and social equity efforts in communities all across the country.
This year, Miami Gardens’ Parks & Recreation and NRPA want everyone to go OUTside, get INspired, change their 
OUTlook and get INvolved in the community. We are encourage and invite all of our residents in Miami gardens and surrounding communities to celebrate Park and Recreation Month during July by getting OUTside and INto their local parks.
This year’s theme, “OUT is IN,” was crowdsourced and then voted on by NRPA members via social media. The theme is intended to bring awareness to the need to connect more people, adults and children alike, to nature and the outdoors. In fact, a recent nationwide survey released by NRPA and conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs found that nearly three in 10 U.S. adults do not spend time outside on a daily basis and of those who do spend daily time outside; almost half spend less than 30 minutes in the fresh air.
In Miami Gardens, you can help reverse this trend and take the OUT is IN challenge by doing a typical indoor activity outdoors everyday in July. You can also participate in the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge Kick-off on July 19th; which will take place at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, located at 3000 NW 199 Street .
“We are so excited to celebrate Park and Recreation Month and highlight the benefits of the great outdoors right here in Miami Gardens,” says Parvin Neloms, Parks & Rec Director. Park and Recreation Month is a great time to just get out there and experience all the wonderful aspects of parks and recreation and gain an appreciation for the benefits they bring to the lives of the people of Miami Gardens,” Neloms continued.
The City of Miami Gardens is leading initiatives and providing opportunities for people to achieve healthier lifestyles, promote and understand nature and conservation as well as bringing the community closer through a variety of programs and services.
Nationally, NRPA is encouraging all people to participate in a 31-day social media challenge on Twitter and Instagram. Anyone can participate by posting photos of themselves doing typical inside activities outside with the hashtag #JulyOUTisIN. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org/July.
Learn about the exciting Park and Recreation Month activities planned for the City of Miami Gardens and more at (305) 622-8000 or visit online at on Facebook.com/miamigardensfl.
