Rise Up and Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with Prince William County

Parks are at the center of so many experiences and memories. Our local parks are often our first experiences in nature, our introduction to a favorite hobby or physical activity. They are places to gather with friends and family, spaces to celebrate life’s special moments, spots of respite and healing, sites that connect us with essential community services and so much more.

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. Created by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the month serves to highlight the impact parks and recreation has on our community.

Following this year’s theme, ‘We Rise up for Parks and Recreation’, Prince William County Parks, Recreation & Tourism is celebrating Parks and Recreation Month by highlighting all the ways our communities are stronger, more vibrant and more resilient because of parks and recreation. We’re committed to ‘rising up’ up for inclusion, environmental resilience, physical health, mental wellbeing, access to play and our community.

Below are some ways we hope you too will rise up and join us this month and throughout the year. There is something for everyone!

Rising Up for Inclusion

At Prince William County Parks, Recreation & Tourism, we’re committed to creating a community of choice for all residents with equal access to programs, classes, camp, and activities. From paint night, to Zumba, to adapted aquatics programs, you can check out some of our adapted programs here.

Harbor Drive Wellness Park, which opened earlier this year, is the first dedicated wellness park in the county’s Occoquan District and provides residents with universal fitness equipment accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities.

George Hellwig Memorial Park provides a family-friendly environment for visitors of all ages and recreational interests. The park also includes Miracle Field designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This summer, the Prince William Parks Foundation launched its Count Me In scholarship pilot program. Scholarships were available to eligible families who reside in Prince William County and 103 unique scholarships were awarded. The pilot program provided scholarships to cover the cost of one week of programming in the 2022 Summer Camp Guide. 

Rising Up for Environmental Resilience

Did you know that parks are cooler in temperature than their surrounding cities, and that parks contribute to overall urban cooling? In other words – parks make our cities more comfortable in the summer. We encourage you to get outside and explore one of many parks, outdoor trails or nature programs this summer.

Our beautiful Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is the perfect place to get some fresh air and take a stroll. For children, our Science in the Park is a great way to get kids outside while learning.

While you’re enjoying the outdoors don’t forget to dispose of any trash properly and “Keep it Litter Free in PWC.” The Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism is a proud community partner with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. The mission of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics organization is to provide innovative education, skills, and research to help people care for the outdoors.

Rising Up for Physical Health, Mental Wellbeing & Access to Play

Living close to parks and other recreation facilities is consistently related to higher physical activity levels for both adults and youth. Moreover, parks provide a connection to nature, which studies demonstrate relieves stress, strengthens interpersonal relationships, and improves mental health.

Our goal at Prince William County is to connect all members of the community to programs and services that advance health equity, improve your health outcomes, and enhance your quality of life. Click here to find out more about our fitness services and facilities.

For kids, there are endless opportunities for play, learning, sports, and fitness. Check out our Leisure magazine and Summer Camp Guide to find something that suits their interest.

Rising up for Our Community

Prince William County’s Regional Parks and Community Centers are true hubs of community, offering diverse amenities like sports fields, trails, pavilions, pools, marinas, and many others along with recreation programming. A 4,400+ acre park system comprised of 81 properties and 60+ trail miles for your enjoyment.

We encourage you to explore all that Prince William County Parks and Recreation has to offer not just this month but all-year long.