Date: June 27, 2007
Contact: Judy Weiss, Parks and Recreation Director, (480) 312-2416
Scottsdale Celebrates Recreation & Parks Month In July
Fun Activities and Events Planned for the Month
Scottsdale invites residents to celebrate National Recreation and Parks Month in July.
Although July is a traditionally hot month in Arizona, it is important for residents to remain active throughout the year to maintain strength and to stay healthy. According to the National Parks and Recreation Association, residents who had better access to parks, visited parks more frequently, and engaged in physically active park behaviors also made fewer visits to their doctor.
To help residents find something that meets their needs, Scottsdale is designating each week of the month with a different focus to help highlight the city’s various facilities, activities, and events. The weeks are Get Outdoors Week (July 1-7), Fitness Week (July 8 -14), Aquatics Week (July 15-21), and Youth Week (July 22-28).
“Scottsdale Parks and Recreation has so much to offer,” said Judy Weiss, Parks and Recreation Director. “Everyone can find something to do and many activities are free.”
Activities offered by the city include a linked network of multi-use paths used for running, walking and biking; tennis courts with drop-in hours; a disc golf course; outdoor fitness courses; lighted sports fields, indoor fitness centers; aquatic centers; skate parks; off-leash areas; hiking trails; and community centers that offer a variety of programming for youth and adults. Parks and Recreation issues a quarterly Classes and Programs Brochure where residents can sign up for a variety of activities ranging from belly dancing to pottery to swimming lessons. To receive the brochure, residents can call (480) 312-7957.
Residents who recreate outdoors in the summer should educate themselves on sun safety, drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, and try to recreate in the mornings or evenings.
The month begins with a free holiday community picnic on July 4 at Eldorado Park. The picnic runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and there will be free hot dogs, games and activities, as well as free swimming at the Eldorado pool from 1 to 6 p.m. The month ends in a muddy mess with the city’s annual Might Mud Mania event. In its 32nd year, Mighty Mud Mania is a summer favorite for children across the valley. Kids will have an opportunity to participate in a mud obstacle course, water slides and other mud activities for free. This year’s event is Friday, July 27 at Chaparral Park from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free swimming at Chaparral pool in conjunction with the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on both of these events, residents can call (480) 312-2771.
Community support for parks and recreation services is vital to their existence, and Scottsdale encourages residents to lend a hand through volunteer efforts. There are many ways to participate and opportunities are both year round and event driven. For more information on volunteer opportunities call (480) 312-7640.
Residents shouldn’t let the month go by without taking part in the excitement. There are a variety of things that residents can get involved in. For a detailed schedule, visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Parks or call (480) 312-PARK (7275).
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