Here’s how to celebrate Parks + Recreation Month in Huntsville

July is Parks & Recreation Month in Huntsville, and the city has some pretty cool ways to observe everything that the Parks & Recreation Department does for the community.

Now in its 38th year, the national observance recognizes the role parks and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services and fostering community growth. Here’s what’s happening in Huntsville:

Celebrate Parks + Recreation Month ‘Where Community Grows’

The theme for 2023 Parks & recreation Month is “Where Community Grows,” emphasizing how important a community’s parks are to help it thrive and continue to move forward.

“We just opened Legacy Park in Northwest Huntsville, which was a wonderful start to the celebration, and there are quite a few other projects in the works. However, we know ‘places’ are only part of the story. Our people also make a big difference in residents’ quality of life, whether that’s through our health and wellness activities, youth programs, inclusive recreation, athletics, art or special events.”

James Gossett, Huntsville Parks & Recreation Director

Parks + Recreation Month events

Here are events the city has planned to celebrate Parks + Recreation Month in July:

Light up the Night – July 21

The signature event for Parks and Recreation Month is Light Up the Night, a family-friendly glow party set for Friday, July 21, from 6-9PM at Big Spring Park East. The area by the spring will be transformed with specialty lighting while a DJ will keep everyone moving on the lighted dance floor.

There will also be neon face paint and glow sticks. Then, get ready for the ultimate party experience when glow foam fills a section of the park from 7-9PM.

Free Boccia Clinic – July 22

For a game everyone can play, Huntsville Parks & Recreation invites the community to try boccia! The department, along with the UAH Ability Sport Network, will host a free boccia clinic on Saturday, July 22, from 10AM-12PM at Optimist Recreation Center.

Boccia, which differs from bocce, is an inclusive sport that can be played regardless of age or ability. The clinic is open to ages 6 and up.

Rec + Read – July 24

Rec and Read is the perfect summer morning activity for younger children. The event at Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center is held in partnership with the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library.

Children will love the interactive storytelling, followed by water-based games and activities. Rec and Read will take place Monday, July 24, from 9-11AM

Back to School Bash – July 29

Parks and Recreation Month will end with the Back to School Bash on Saturday, July 29, from 10AM-4PM at the Jaycee Community Building at John Hunt Park. There will be indoor and outdoor games, inflatable water slides and dunk tanks. Kids may even see their principal or school resource officer sitting in the hot seat!

Band and cheer performances will get everyone in the spirit, while dozens of back-to-school exhibitors will share information to help make this the best year ever. The Back to School Bash is co-hosted by Huntsville Police.

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