LOS ANGELES – The County Board of Supervisors proclaimed July as Parks Make Life Better! Month. Throughout the state of California, other parks and recreation organizations will rejoice in unison.

During this month, LA County Parks and Recreation celebrates by highlighting recreational programs and launches a new Parks Make Life Better! video that showcases our beautiful Botanic Gardens, Golf courses, lakes, event locations, and entertainment venues.

During the month of July LA County Parks will continue the fun with the 2019 summer programs, 10th Anniversary of Parks After Dark, the new teen program Our Spot, Trails LA County, golf programs, Botanic Garden events, entertainment venues like the Hollywood Bowl and Ford Theater and promote outdoor leisure and recreation. The Department offers an array of classes and lessons for a variety of sports and recreation activities for all ages.

The Parks Make Life Better! video intends to showcase beautiful landscapes and entertainment amenities at several facilities with team members from across the County. The video aims to recruit student workers, student professional workers, and other open positions. It also promotes LA County Parks and Recreation’s social media to increase following. Lastly, it offers an invitation and challenge to other park municipalities to join the fun by creating their own Parks Make Life Better! video.

The availability of parks and recreational programs has significant public health benefits, including increased physical activity, reduced obesity, mitigated chronic disease, crime and violence prevention, improved mental health, and social interaction. Children, families, teens, and seniors are among the thousands of visitors who enjoy the safe environment and free or low-cost activities offered at County parks.

“Parks plays an important role in bringing communities together and connecting people to nature,” says John Wicker, Director of LA County Department of Parks and Recreation. “We strive to be a world-class park and recreation organization and commend our team members across the County who ensure our park guests have an enjoyable and memorable experience.”

LA County Park’s mission is to serve as stewards of parklands, build healthy and resilient communities, and advance social equity and cohesion. LA County Parks and Recreation offers 181 parks, 43 public swimming pools, 3 Lakes, 11 nature centers, 200 miles of multi-use trails, 4 Botanic Gardens, 20 golf courses, plus world-renowned entertainment venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and Ford Theater. These facilities and open spaces provide the public with programs and recreation to get outdoors and be more active and healthy and create lasting moments.

Celebrate Parks Make Life Better Month! with programs, activities, and outdoor recreation:
– LA County Trails, download the new application: https://trails.lacounty.gov
– Golf experiences available at the largest municipal golf system in the nation, consisting of 20 golf courses: http://parks.lacounty.gov/golf/.
– Parks After Dark (PAD) celebrates 10 years. Find a PAD location near you: http://parks.lacounty.gov/parks-after-dark-program-celebrates-10-years-of-family-fun-and-fitness/
– Botanic Gardens, flowers are blooming and more: https://www.lacounty.gov/things-to-do/parks-and-recreation/gardens/
– Nature Centers – http://parks.lacounty.gov/nature-centers-and-gardens/
– Sports from tennis to netball, futsal, and fencing, there is something for everyone: http://parks.lacounty.gov/sports?row=10#tennisLessonsColumn
– Make a Splash pulls together free summer 2019 programs: http://parks.lacounty.gov/2019-summer-programs/
– P&R Magazine, 2019 Summer Guide: https://content.yudu.com/web/42ukp/0A42vm9/SummerGuide2019/html/index.html?refUrl=http%253A%252F%252Fparks.lacounty.gov%252F&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=