Each year since 1985, Americans have celebrated national Park and Recreation Month during July to recognize the importance of parks and recreation in establishing and maintaining the quality of life for, and contributing to the physical, economic and environmental well-being of communities.

Through efforts by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the U.S. House of Representatives passed an official resolution for Park and Recreation Month in 2009.

The association supports the national park and recreation community and the general public in promoting summer programming and celebrations in support of the field.

This year's theme is Celebrate, Advocate, Recreate!  NRPA will support park and recreation agencies and citizens as they plan special events and initiatives that remind local decision makers and the community of the exciting and vital role that parks and recreation play in the lives of Americans.

If you want to share your experiences from your local park or recreation area, just snap a photo and post it to your blog or social media account to spread the message virally.  To participate in the NRPA's "This is how we recreate!" campaign, print out the official poster (http://www.nrpa.org/2010julytoolkit/) and include it in your photo.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people.  Through its network of roughly 21,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.

For more information, visit www.NRPA.org.