Perret Park in Lake Elsinore. (Photo by Emily Baierl)
The Lake Elsinore City Council proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month during the June 23 council meeting.
The annual observance is led by the National Recreation and Park Association, which has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month since 1985. This year’s theme, “The Power of Parks and Recreation,” highlights how parks and recreation programs strengthen communities through play, nature and social connections.
Lake Elsinore Parks and Recreation Director Beau Davis said the department’s work can be seen throughout the city’s more than 20 parks, 19 playgrounds and 32 open spaces, as well as in recreation programming.
“Parks and Recreation leaves an impact,” Davis said. “It’s found in lessons learned through our recreation programs. It’s found in the core memories that families create together. It’s found in the friendships formed through our senior programs and activities. It’s found in the connection built through the dozens of community events that we host each year.”
Mayor Bob Magee said the city’s park system has expanded significantly over time.
“It didn’t happen overnight,” Magee said. “We have this jewel and we have great people in place taking care of it, and I’m joined by a group of professionals that want to see us continue down this path.”
Davis encouraged residents to use city parks and recreation facilities regularly.
“I want to challenge our residents this July, and not just this July, every month, every day, to get out to a park,” Davis said. “Go with your friends, family, go to Launch Pointe, visit our namesake lake, just get outside as a community.”
He also encouraged residents to reflect on the benefits of spending time outdoors.
“Sit back, reflect and think about all the impact that it has on you mentally, physically, maybe even spiritually, being in that place in that moment with those people because that is the power of parks and recreation,” Davis said.
