The Marion County Parks and Recreation Department is excited to celebrate National Park and Recreation Month once again.
This year’s theme, Rise Up for Parks and Recreation, is intended to highlight all the ways that the county’s Parks and Recreation staff members work to make the local communities stronger, more vibrant, and more resilient through various programs.
The month-long celebration will also feature staff members from other county departments who play large roles in creating strong communities. Throughout the month of July, individuals will be highlighted who rise up in the name of service, health and wellness, environmental resilience, and their community.
The Parks and Recreation department is calling upon Marion County residents to nominate those who they believe ‘rise up’ in the name of service for the local community. Nominees and winners will be showcased via the department’s social media channels.
During each week of July, there will be certain times when members of the Marion County community are encouraged to give back to their fellow citizens.
The department will be hosting Donation Days at Ray Wayside Park and Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area where residents can bring non-perishable goods in lieu of paying an entry fee. All donations will benefit Interfaith Emergency Services in Reddick.
The month will culminate with a ‘Rise Up’ event on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of the future Reddick Park, which is adjacent to the Reddick Public Library (15150 NW Gainesville Road in Reddick).
This community celebration, which will be hosted by the Parks and Recreation department in partnership with the Marion County Public Library System, will feature bounce houses, free food, and adoptable pets from Marion County Animal Services.
For more information, please contact the Marion County Parks and Recreation Department via phone (352-671-8560) or email (parks@marionfl.org).