Caspersen Beach

Caspersen Beach made the list for Sarasota County’s to-do list in honor of Park and Recreation Month. 

FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT LAWSON

In honor of Park and Recreation Month, county officials are encouraging residents to enjoy local green space through special events this July.

This year’s National Recreation and Park Association theme, “The Power Of,” was chosen to highlight how parks and recreation strengthen communities by fostering connection, well-being and a sense of belonging through welcoming public spaces and engaging programs that enrich everyday life.

Both Sarasota and Charlotte counties released announcements with a calendar of activities honoring the month’s theme.

Sarasota County

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources has set up a range of activities, including the following:

Sunday Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday ParkChristmas in July Arts and Crafts Show (July 18)Nature at Night at Curry Creek Preserve (July 24)A variety of guided outdoor programs.

A complete list of activities is available below.

PRNR has also created a special calendar featuring opportunities to get outside, explore local parks and connect with the community during July.

“Our parks are a testament to the power of bringing people together. They are places where play, nature, well-being and a true sense of belonging strengthen Sarasota County,” said Shawn Yeager, director of Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. “I invite everyone to experience this firsthand and discover how our parks inspire connection and a deeper sense of place for all.”

When visiting Sarasota County parks, beaches and natural areas, visitors are encouraged to “take only pictures and leave only footprints” to help protect the shared spaces, said a news release.

Community members are encouraged to share how their local parks enhance life in the community using “#ThePowerOf.”

For more information, call 311 or 941-861-5000 or visit:

SarasotaCountyParks.com

Charlotte County

To celebrate, Charlotte County Community Services launched their annual activity calendar that highlights a park or recreation activity each day in July.

Among those is Saturday, July 18, when Charlotte County will offer free pool admission at Centennial Park pool and South County Regional Park pool.

The county also created an activity calendar for residents to follow along with.