Free activities offered in county parks and nature preserves in celebration of Park and Recreation Month

County staff encouraging the public to use its wide variety of recreational facilities

Lemon Bay Park is among numerous county recreational areas. Image courtesy Sarasota County
Lemon Bay Park is among numerous county recreational areas. Image courtesy Sarasota County

“Get ready to discover your super powers this July with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA),” Sarasota staff is telling the public.

From learning a new skill, such as swimming, to meeting personal fitness goals, Sarasota County parks and recreation facilities and natural areas “can have you feeling like a superhero before July ends,” a county news release says.

NRPA and Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources are encouraging everyone to experience the power of parks and recreation for themselves by taking advantage of events such as free tennis at Payne Park in downtown Sarasota from 4 to 7 p.m. on July 15 and 29; and a free nature hike at Lemon Bay Park on Saturday, July 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. A complete list of this month’s events, including times, dates and locations, is available at http://bit.ly/29bSAFn.

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

“Our local parks and recreation directly contribute to reduced obesity rates, an improved ecosystem and increased property values,” Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Director Carolyn Brown said in the release.

To find more events happening in Sarasota County all year long, visit www.scgov.net/parks or call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 861-5000.