It starts with a memory.

Maybe it’s your first time flying down the slide at Larry Gury Community Park, squealing with joy. Or maybe it’s an early morning stroll through Edwin A. Smith Community Park, coffee in hand and your thoughts finally quiet. For some, it’s the Friday night movies at the pool, cheering on your kids’ softball game, or the quiet comfort of a shaded bench on a hot afternoon.

At Southgate Recreation & Park District, we know that our parks don’t just serve the community, they help tell its story.

That’s why this July, we’re proud to join the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and communities around the country in honoring the people, programs, and places that help us all build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.

This year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” reflects what we strive for every day: spaces where neighbors become friends, where kids discover the joy of movement, and where families create memories that last a lifetime. Parks aren’t just playgrounds and picnic spots, they’re community anchors. And in a time when connection matters more than ever, we’re inviting you to celebrate all the ways our local parks and recreation programs support your well-being.

It’s a reminder that every gathering, every playground, and every moment shared in our parks is an essential part of building healthier communities!

How You Can Be Part of the Celebration

Throughout July, we invite you to write your own chapter in the story of Southgate parks. We’ve put together a month full of ways for you to explore, share, and connect:

• Take the 40-Park Challenge
  Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure across the Southgate District. Whether it’s your go-to walking trail or a park you’ve never explored, we challenge you to visit all 40 parks before September 1, 2025. It’s a great way to get active, explore your neighborhood, and rediscover the beauty in your own backyard. Download the Park Adventure Passport for this year’s list of 40 parks!
• Fill out a July is Park & Rec Month Participation Sheet
  Visit one of our community centers and ask a receptionist for a Park & Rec Month Participation Sheet to fill out and turn in. We’ll be posting the community’s Participation Sheets at our facilities creating a mural of sorts of all the ways our community is enjoying our local parks and recreation services.
• Follow Us on Social Media
  Keep up with Park & Rec Month fun, updates, and shout-outs to our incredible community by following us @southgaterecandpark on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can pick up a copy of the 40-Park Challenge: Park Adventure Passport and participation sheet at Southgate Administration Office, Jose P. Rizal, Fruitridge, and Pat O’Brien Community Centers!

The Heartbeat of a Community: Why Parks Matter

Here in South Sacramento, we’ve always believed that parks are more than green spaces—they’re places where we grow stronger together. National research backs that up:

• More than 276 million Americans visited a local park last year.
• 92% of adults say they feel a mental health boost after spending time in a park.
• And 81% of people consider access to high-quality parks when choosing where to live.

Parks don’t just entertain; they heal, connect, and strengthen. And yet, for too many, access remains out of reach. That’s why Southgate continues to invest in safe, welcoming spaces where everyone—regardless of age, income, or ability—feels they belong. It’s why we offer adaptive programs, youth employment opportunities, and spaces designed for gathering and growth.

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Park and Recreation Month in July, we invite you to reflect on what your local park means to you. Whether it’s an early morning walk, a free summer activity, or just watching your kids climb the same play structures you once did—our parks are yours to enjoy.

Your stories, your laughter, and your presence are what transform spaces into places that matter.

So go ahead. Step outside. Build a new memory. Play like you used to. And know that this month, and every month, Southgate’s parks are here for you. Let’s build together. Let’s play together. Let’s celebrate together this July and beyond!

🐊