July is National Parks and Recreation Month.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Parks and Recreation Month established by the National Recreation and Park Association in 1985. Each July, the organization celebrates park and recreation professionals and how they improve the lives of tens of millions of people, making a lasting impact in communities across the country. At Monday night’s Knoxville City Council meeting a National Parks and Recreation Month proclamation was read by mayor Brian Hatch and a certificate was presented to Knoxville Parks and Recreation Director Brandon Nemmers.

The proclamation stated “parks and recreation services are an integral part of communities throughout this country, including Knoxville, and park and recreation services establish and maintain the quality of life in our communities, ensuring the health of all citizens and contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of a community and region; park and recreation services build healthy, active communities that aid in the prevention of chronic disease, provide therapeutic recreation services for individuals with mental or physical disabilities, and improve the mental and emotional health of all residents.”

This year’s theme for National Parks and Recreation Month is “Build Together, Play Together”.