St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks is joining the National Recreation and Park Association in celebrating Park and Recreation Month this July. The theme, “The Power Of,” highlights how parks and recreation programs bring communities together through play, nature, wellness, and connection.
Each year, Park and Recreation Month recognizes the work of park and recreation professionals, seasonal staff, and volunteers who maintain facilities and create positive experiences for residents. In St. Mary’s County, hundreds of employees and volunteers across recreation, parks, and museum divisions support programs and spaces that serve people of all ages and backgrounds.
The department is encouraging residents to share their own stories and memories using the hashtag #ThePowerOf on social media while tagging St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks. These personal accounts help illustrate the many ways local parks and programs enrich daily life.
As part of the month-long observance, Recreation & Parks will host a free Fun Friday Open House on July 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Leonard Hall Recreation Center in Leonardtown. The event will include games and activities for all ages along with raffle prizes. Families are invited to drop in and enjoy the celebration.
Residents are also reminded that the department is currently updating its Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan. Public input is being accepted through July 10. Community members can participate online through an interactive map, a community ideas wall, a budget prioritization tool, and a short survey. The plan helps guide future decisions about parks, facilities, and recreational opportunities across the county.
St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks manages a wide range of facilities and programs that support active lifestyles and community gatherings. From athletic fields and trails to museums and special events, these resources provide places for residents to connect, exercise, and learn. The department works to ensure these spaces remain accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Park and Recreation Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the role these services play in building stronger communities. In St. Mary’s County, parks and programs support physical health, mental well-being, and social connections. They also preserve natural areas and provide educational experiences through the museum division.
The free open house on July 10 is designed to be a relaxed way for families to enjoy the facilities and learn more about available programs. Activities will be geared toward all ages, making it easy for households to participate together.
The ongoing update to the Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan allows residents to help shape the future of these services. Input gathered now will influence priorities for land preservation, new facilities, and program development in the coming years.
St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks continues to focus on creating inclusive opportunities that meet the needs of a growing and diverse community. Events like the July open house and ongoing public engagement efforts reflect that commitment.
Residents interested in learning more about the department’s offerings or participating in the plan update can visit the Recreation & Parks website or the dedicated engagement page for the plan.
Park and Recreation Month serves as a reminder of the value these public spaces and programs bring to everyday life in St. Mary’s County. Whether through organized activities, quiet time in nature, or community gatherings, parks and recreation help create a stronger sense of place and belonging.
