July is Parks & Recreation Month

July is Parks and Recreation Month. According to 2021 data from the Physical Activity Council (PAC) Participation report by Sports Marketing Surveys, 54% of tennis played within USTA Missouri Valley is at a local park.  This year’s theme is “Our Park and Recreation Story”.

Indeed, our local parks are often our first experiences in nature, or an introduction to a hobby or sport. That includes tennis. They are places to gather with friends and family, spots to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, sites that connect us with community services and so much more.

According to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the United States has celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July since 1985.  Through efforts by NRPA, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an official resolution for Park and Recreation Month in 2009. 

A study by the NRPA notes children who take part in sports programs via their local parks and rec departments learn about sportsmanship, being part of a team and are generally more well-rounded.  Additionally, 83 percent of U.S. adults agree that visiting their local parks, trails and open spaces is essential for their mental and physical well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.  For more on the NRPA, click here. 

USTA Missouri Valley has strong relationships with many parks and rec programs across its five-state region.  We celebrate our local parks, as well as the over 161,000 parks and recreation workers across the United States. We've taken July to tell the stories of several local tennis programs provided by parks and recreation programs across the section. 

Heart of America

Savannah Parks Tennis Program a Hit

Iowa

Parks & Rec Programs in Iowa Bring Tennis to Youth

Kansas

Arkansas City Parks Program Offers Tennis & Life Lessons

Missouri

Tennis at Jefferson City KidsFest a Hit

Oklahoma

Coming Soon!

St. Louis

Webster Groves Parks Program Serving Up Tennis

Other Resources

Grants

Looking to start a tennis program at your local parks & rec department?  USTA Missouri Valley has grants available that can help get the ball rolling. Find out more here. 

USTA Parks & Recreation Resources

The USTA, as your partner in play, provides tools and resources to help park and recreation departments develop and optimize their tennis programs. Find out more here. 

USTA Missouri Valley Contact

For more information about our relationship with parks across the section, contact Parks & Recreation Program Manager John Terpkosh.