LEONARDTOWN, Md. — July is National Recreation and Parks Month, and the St. Mary’s County team celebrated with fun, games, and a 6-foot squirrel.
On July 15, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County presented a proclamation recognizing the event and gave the Recreation & Parks Department the opportunity to showcase some of the work they’re doing during the busy summer season.
After the proclamation, Sunny the Squirrel presented the commissioners with tickets to this year’s Summerstock Theater production, “TARZAN®: The Stage Musical.” Performances took place over the weekend at Chopticon High School, and you can still catch the show from July 25–27.
The proclamation celebrates the county’s parks, recreation programs, recreation facilities and all St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks staff who “work to ensure these programs and locations create a positive and productive impact on the lives and experiences of the citizens of St. Mary’s County,” as per the department’s social media.
This year’s theme is “Build Together, Play Together,” which is meant to celebrate the contributions of staff and volunteers in making all of the offerings possible. Park and recreation programs are vital for their communities and help foster connection and wellness.
Recreation and Parks Month dates back to 1985. St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks Director Raymond Bivens says the celebration has been a longstanding tradition for their team — in fact, no one on staff now remembers a time when they didn’t celebrate it.
St. Mary’s Recreation & Parks is nationally accredited through the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies. Less than 2% of all park systems nationwide meet that standard. The independent review says the county is using best practices to meet the needs and interests of customers, and staff work hard to maintain that standard.
Bivens credits consistent, passionate leadership with the system’s success and says that they’re excited to use the month to highlight programs and give people the opportunity to try new things.
“Hopefully hearing the month being celebrated is a good time to make a personal commitment to visit a new site or try a new activity,” Bivens said. He added options: a visit to one of the beautiful waterfront parks — Myrtle Point, Elms or Snow Hill — or trying an activity like pickleball or golf at Wicomico Shores.
Residents can also visit one of the county’s museums — Piney Point, St. Clement or the Old Jail in Leonardtown — or see “TARZAN®.”
Bivens also highlighted Camp Discovery, a summer camp for children with disabilities through the Therapeutic Recreation program, adding that the department would be “glad to welcome” residents who’d like to learn more about this helpful program.
“We have a wonderful, dedicated team who work hard every day and the support of many volunteers who give of their time in a variety of roles, such as coaching, to help enrich the lives of youth,” Bivens said.
Trying new things for the first time or returning to an old, loved activity is what the month is all about for Bivens and his dedicated team. The proclamation will hopefully help bring attention to some of the programs and showcase the resources the county has to offer — if Sunny the Squirrel doesn’t steal all the spotlight.
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