Pictured: Gwinnett County (Georgia) Government Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson proclaimed July as Park and Recreation Month in Gwinnett on June 27, 2023, alongside Gwinnett Parks and Recreation team members, volunteers, community partners and foundation members.
Tips to Proclaim July as Park and Recreation Month in Your Community
Proclaiming July as Park and Recreation Month is an opportunity for your community and local leadership to officially acknowledge the importance of parks and recreation and the benefits it provides to the people you serve. Having July proclaimed as Park and Recreation Month is also a great way to create community and media awareness for your events — and it's never to early to get the process started!
Process
Every locality has its own policies on how to get a proclamation commemorating something (or someone) approved. Below is an outline of the usual process and tips on how to get July proclaimed as Park and Recreation Month in your community:
1. Determine who has the authority to make the proclamation.
Usually, this is a locally elected official: mayor, city council, board of supervisors, parks and recreation commission, school board, etc. You may also want to ask around to see if there is an existing process for proclamations.
2. Determine who should ask for the proclamation.
The strongest case for having July declared as Park and Recreation Month in your local community would come from a voter (a member of the general public) rather than an elected official.
3. Create the proclamation.
Start with the template proclamation and include as much local information as possible. Make the case for the essential role parks and recreation plays in your community.
4. Start now!
Timing is often the biggest issue. Your mayor or council may have designated dates and times per month when they consider proclamations and if you miss the deadline, you miss the opportunity.
Download the Template Proclamation
If you have any questions about proclaiming July as Park and Recreation Month or are successful in getting the month proclaimed, let us know! Email Jon Eick, NPRA Director of Marketing and Engagement Strategy.
