Did you know that July is National Park and Recreation Month? For nearly forty years, parks and recreation departments across the country have used July to promote the building of strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. The O’Fallon Parks and Recreation staff are proud to be part of the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals around the country and are excited to celebrate this month with you.
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has chosen a theme for this year’s celebration: “Where You Belong.” This theme celebrates the ways that local, state, and national parks foster a sense of belonging in communities by providing welcoming programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces. Our local staff is incredibly proud of the efforts made over the past year to enhance our accessibility and inclusivity, such as adding the all-abilities playground in Community Park and introducing sensory-friendly times at the Splash Pad in the Family Sports Park.
So, how can you, your family, and friends celebrate National Park and Recreation Month in O’Fallon?
- Visit O’Fallon Memorial Pool (411 E. 5th St.). This is the pool’s final year, with a new one opening next year. Open Monday to Friday, 1 pm – 7 pm, and Saturday/Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm.
- Take a walk on the new trail in Community Park (401 E. 5th St.). This nearly 0.75-mile trail offers views of exciting park construction projects, including progress on the new office building/pool and the start of the Katy Cavins replacement facility construction.
- Get active at the Family Sports Park (301 Obernuefemann Rd.). Walk, run, or bike on the trail, or try out the new fitness equipment playground near the Becky Henry Pavilion/Playground.
- Watch sports at the Family Sports Park, which hosts various athletic events. Exciting tournaments in July include:
- July 11 – 14: Savvy Softball & GMB Baseball
- July 19 – 21: GMB Baseball & USSSA Softball
- July 26 – 28: GMB Baseball
- Enjoy nature at Rock Springs Rotary Park (1428 E. 3rd St.), featuring shaded trails and a paved walking trail. The park also has two dog parks for your four-legged friends to enjoy.
- Go shopping at the Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station (212 E. 1st St.). Held every Saturday, 8 am – 12 pm, the market offers locally grown and made products sourced within 100 miles of O’Fallon. Shop local!
- Visit any of our other parks including Hesse Park (810 N. Madison Dr.) featuring a playground, ballfields, basketball courts, pickleball courts, and access to Illini Trail; Thoman Park (1021 Nancy Dr.) featuring a playground, pavilion, and walking path; and Ogles Creek Park (435 Wiegerstown Dr.) featuring greenspace and a pavilion.
How will you celebrate Park and Recreation Month? Let us know by tagging O’Fallon Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at O’Fallon Parks and Recreation