Celebrate Good Times with Parks and Recreation

Published on October 01, 2023

I don’t think I can count the number of times people are a little surprised and somewhat confused when they find out what I do for a living. There usually are comments like, “so you get to play all day?” I have to laugh because I wish it were that easy. Instead, the reality is that Parks & Recreation professionals work so others can play. But don’t get me wrong, that “work” is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling occupations around. We create a world full of beauty, nature, and experiences that make life worth living.

Sometimes “play” gets a bad name. It gets a reputation for being something meaningless and frivolous. A luxury, if you will. I beg to differ. Imagine a life of work and responsibilities and no play, a world without theater, dancing, picnics, or sports. In my opinion, when you turn to reflect on your greatest memories and joys, it is those experiences that you have in life, outside of your responsibilities, which mean the most. Those times spent with family or learning something new.

That is why the National Recreation and Park Association and the City of Dunedin have declared the month of July as National Park and Recreation Month. It is a time for us to reflect on what we are living for and celebrate with family and friends. The Dunedin Parks & Recreation Department is dedicated to improving the quality of life of its residents. We provide opportunities for young people to live, grow, and develop into contributing members of society, create lifelines and experiences for older community members, and generate opportunities for people to come together and experience a sense of community. Staff and hundreds of volunteers dedicate their services to providing clean and safe parks, youth activities, health and nutrition programs, green spaces, and trails.

What will you do to celebrate and play? Below is a list of ideas for each day this month.

  1. Plan a family outing to Edgewater Park
  2. Take a dip at the Highlander Pool
  3. Celebrate the “Hometown USA” at TD Ballpark
  4. Test your legs at the Kiwanis Midnight Run
  5. Find a new playground
  6. Catch a Dunedin Blue Jays baseball game
  7. Hunt for shells at your local beach
  8. Hike a new trail at Hammock Park
  9. Take your dog to Achieva Paw Park
  10. See “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” at the Community Center
  11. Take an evening walk
  12. Go camping, if only in your backyard!
  13. Plant a garden
  14. Ride your bike to somewhere new
  15. Take the kids to Stirling Skate Park
  16. Visit Caladesi or Honeymoon Island State Park
  17. Volunteer, well anywhere!
  18. Go fishing at Dunedin Marina Pier
  19. Try a new fitness class (we’ve got tons!)
  20. It’s National Hot Dog Day – Have a picnic!
  21. Play Frisbee with your dog or human friend
  22. Paint a picture
  23. Do a neighborhood garbage clean-up
  24. Call your parents; it’s National Parents Day
  25. Take a line dancing class
  26. Phone an old friend
  27. Go bird watching
  28. Stop by MLK Rec Center for the Back to School Open House & Expo
  29. Do some arts and crafts
  30. Hit some golf balls at Stirling Park Driving Range
  31. Take a swing at a public tennis court

Or better yet, make up your own adventure. But whatever you do, get out and play!

Follow us on Facebook @CityofDunedin and tune in on Tuesday, July 12 at 9:00 am when “We Rise Up” and proclaim July as National Park and Recreation Month during the City Commission meeting. 

To learn more about Dunedin Parks & Recreation and the many opportunities, programs, events, services, and facilities, please visit www.DunedinGov.com/parksandrec.

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