Staff Reports
Gov. Rick Scott has proclaimed July as “Recreation and Parks Month” in Florida, the Florida Park Service announced this week.
“People from across the world come to Florida to enjoy our state’s natural beauty,” Scott said in a statement. “I encourage all Floridians and visitors to take advantage of our 175 state parks.
“Our state parks are the best in the country,” he added. “In fact, the Florida State Park Service is the only park system to win three gold medals from the National Recreation and Park Association. I hope that families will be able to get outside and enjoy our world-class parks this month.”
A press release added: “With students out of school and families planning getaways, July is the perfect time to ride bicycles or horses, paddle kayaks or canoes, enjoy birds and butterflies, set up camp and more.”
Family-friendly activities during Recreation and Parks Month at state parks include:
— Beach Exploratory Walk, July 6, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
— Beach Cleanup, July 7, 8 a.m. to noon, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
— Kayaking the Mangroves, July 7, 10 a.m., Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
— An Evening Under the Stars, July 7, 7:15 to 11 p.m. CDT, Big Lagoon State Park
For more information, visit the park service’s website.
