By Heather Wood

This July, Kernersville residents are invited to go on a Play Date with Kernersville Parks and Recreation!

Summer is here, which means it is time to get your play on! This year, it is all about discovering the power of play with Kernersville Parks and Recreation as they celebrate Park and Recreation Month. From learning a new sport like Pickleball to meeting your friends on the playground, your Kernersville Parks and Recreation facilities are the places where everyone can play, regardless of age or ability. The National Recreation and Park Association and Kernersville Parks and Recreation are encouraging everyone to get out to experience the power of play for themselves.

In Kernersville, you can celebrate Park and Recreation month by getting involved in many of our program offerings:

1. Summer fun does not have to be elaborate. Let’s face it; if it is free, it is probably pretty simple. Kids do not usually mind something simple, as long as it is out of that same-old, same-old routine. Kernersville has many wonderful parks to visit and definitely a wonderful place to Get Your Play On this summer! Not only are local parks and playgrounds with their trails, open space, and play equipment a wonderful setting, many also have great free summer programs for kids as well. So make use of the parks in your area. And be sure to keep it interesting. Do not always go to the most convenient park. Mix it up. One day take a quick trip to the playground in town, but the next time try the state park in the area.
2. Our adult leagues are a great way to meet new people, invest in yourself, learn something new, and mix up your workout. Adult recreational leagues are easy to join and fees are very affordable especially when split between team members. To join and learn more about our Adult Softball and Kickball Leagues visit www.kvparks.com.
3. KPRD has various Specialty Summer Camps going on this summer as well. Sign up for our Mentor Tennis Junior Summer Camp and learn/or improve your junior tennis skills. Each day camp will build on the different aspects of tennis – from basic strokes to game play, depending on the class’s goals. Register now for July; limited space is available.
4. Grab your water bottle and yoga mat and head to Harmon Park on Saturday mornings for Yoga in the Park. Students of ALL ages will enjoy the basic yoga postures and breathing techniques. Build strength and flexibility while taking in the sounds of nature. Namaste.

Another great way to Get Your Play On this month is to grab the family, hop in the car, and head to the park for our July Movies in the Park Series! Celebrate “Christmas in July,” with us on Friday, July 21 in Harmon Park at dusk. Our featured presentation will be Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Arrive early to claim your spot and enjoy food trucks, Christmas themed games/activities, and even a special visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus while they are on summer vacation in Kernersville.

Celebrate Parks and Recreation month while wearing your stars and stripes to this year’s Splash B4 the Blast at the Kernersville YMCA Slide Pool and Waterpark. Join Kernersville Parks and Recreation between the hours of noon- 2pm for free giveaways and hotdogs (while supplies last)! Later, bring a blanket, friends, and family and head to Kernersville Elementary School to watch the sky light up in a spectacular display of our great nation’s independence!

Kernersville Parks and Recreation is celebrating Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and all the ways parks and recreation has the power to transform our daily lives. From providing us places to play, get fit, and stay healthy to fostering new relationships and forging a connection with nature, our close-to-home community park and recreation facilities provide essential services and improve quality of life.

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as the nation’s official Park and Recreation Month. Created by NRPA, Park and Recreation Month specifically highlights the vital and powerful role local parks and recreation, such as Kernersville Parks and Recreation, play in conservation, health and wellness, and social equity efforts in communities all across the country.

“July is the perfect time to highlight all the benefits parks and recreation provides right here in Kernersville,” said Ernie Pages, Kernersville Parks and Recreation Director. “Our local parks and recreation directly contribute to reduced obesity rates, an improved ecosystem, and increased property values.”

Kernersville Parks and Recreation is leading initiatives and providing opportunities for people of all ages to achieve healthier lifestyles, promote and understand nature and conservation, as well as bringing the community closer through a variety of programs and services.

Nationally, NRPA is celebrating Park and Recreation Month with a weekly contest encouraging people to show them why play is so important in their lives. NRPA also encourages all people that support parks and recreation to share why they think play is so important with the hashtag #PlayOnJuly. For more information about the contest and Park and Recreation Month in general, visit www.nrpa.org/July.

Learn about the exciting Park and Recreation Month activities planned for Kernersville and more at www.kvparks.com.