Summer is officially here, and people across the country are looking to get outside and enjoy the weather, get some exercise, or just relax. Whether it’s for a barbeque or a baseball game, many of them will head for a park facility run by their local government.

The National Recreation and Park Association has designated July as Park and Recreation Month, and local governments are invited to join the celebration. Not only are recreation centers and parks among the most visible local government services, they’re also one of the most fun. That means that July isn’t just a great time to enjoy the weather, it’s also an opportunity to connect with the community to demonstrate the value of their local public services.

Looking for inspiration? The Knowledge Network’s Parks and Recreation topic page is a great place to start. Check out the topic’s latest articles to learn about a festival in Carol Stream, Ill. with line dancing, scuba diving, pedestal jousting,and over 100 other free activities. Or see how the City of San Diego has automated its facility reservations and permitting systems. And don't miss Gilbert, Ariz.’s experiment using dog waste to power park lighting. 

You can also browse more than 150 case studies, plans, RFPs, and other documents related to parks and recreation from local governments and organizations around the world. Among the many helpful resources are:

• A report on four local governments partnering with community organizations to help maintain the park facilities they use.
• Sample guidelines for affiliated organizations like sports leagues to use recreation facilities.
• A case study examining the visioning process and strategic planning for a large parks district.
• A sample RFP for the privatization of park maintenance services.
• A case study on creating an accessible skate park.

Of course, if you want to directly tap the recreation expertise of your peers, just post a question on the Knowledge Network and add the Parks and Recreation topic. Local leaders have already discussed questions like these:

• How do you permit  farmers markets and special events in public parks?
• Do you have enterprise funds for recreation programs and parks services?
• How do you handle recreation administration functions in coordination with the YMCA?
• What’s the best management structure for a public golf course?

What does your parks and recreation team have in store for the summer? Let your colleagues know by submitting a useful document or by asking or answering a question on the Knowledge Network at icma.org/kn.