Since 1985, July has been celebrated 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 essential and powerful role local park and recreation professionals — such as our staff at Plainfield Park District — play in building stronger, more vibrant and more resilient communities all across the country.
The Plainfield Park District, in partnership with the Illinois Park & Recreation Association, will be offering daily activities designed to encourage people to “unplug” from technology and plug into play, creativity, family and adventure.
Why Unplug? Unplugging delivers many physical, mental, social and health benefits such as:
Improve your physical health – Getting 30 minutes of physical activity can improve blood pressure, lower cholesterol, reduce stress and extend life expectancy according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Improve your mental health – The National Recreation and Park Association states that more time spent in parks and green spaces can help individuals fight against mental health issues like depression, anxiety and stress.
Improve your social interactions – Spending time with family and friends helps cope with trauma, encourages healthy habits and can lower health risks such as stress and high blood pressure according to the Mayo Clinic.
Improve your lifestyle – Committing to taking time away from screens can improve sleep cycles, boost being present in the moment, increase productivity and improve social connections.
July 1 – Kids Take & Make: Rockets
July 2 – Famers Market
July 3 – Float and Fundraise
July 4 – Fireworks
July 5 – Food Stamp Art
July 6 – Play-Doh Playdate
July 7 – Fun & Food Trucks
July 8 – Freeze Pop Day at OSP
July 9 – Pride Fest
July 10 – Plug into Crosswind
July 11 – Mario Kart Tournament
July 12 – Traveling StoryWalk
July 13 – Farm Animals Coloring Page
July 14 – Movie in the Park
July 15 – Unplug Illinois
July 16 – Farmers Market
July 17 – Summer Concert
July 18 – Cruise to Village Green
July 19 – Ice Cream Treat at OSP
July 20 – Summer Concert
July 21 – Constellations
July 22 – Eaton Preserve Scavenger Hunt
July 23 – Farmers Market
July 24 – Ways to Be Kind
July 25 – Cruise Night
July 26 – Storytime at Hazel Marie’s
July 27 – Leaf Bug Art
July 28 – Bake Sweet Animal Treats
July 29 – Bott Park Scavenger Hunt
July 30 – Farmers Market
July 31 – Wildlife Crossword
