Celebrating Park & Recreation Month in Grapevine

National Park and Recreation Month has been celebrated for nearly 40 years. 2024’s theme – Where You Belong – celebrates the important contributions of park and recreation professionals across the country. Their dedication to providing welcoming and inclusive programming, essential services, and safe, accessible spaces allows residents and visitors to build meaningful connections with their communities.

In Grapevine, TX, the Parks and Rec department’s mission is to “enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Grapevine, through the stewardship of natural resources and the responsive provision of quality leisure opportunities.” Through diverse programs, organized sports for kids and adults, 1600 acres of parkland, state-of-the-art facilities, special events, health and fitness classes, outdoor recreation, volunteering, and even summer camps, Grapevine Parks and Rec offers something for everyone.

“We want everyone to have easy access to parks and recreation opportunities in a sustainable community,” said April Rogers, Marketing Manager for Grapevine Parks and Rec. “Our parks and trails are some of the top in the metroplex, including inclusive parks, like Casey’s Clubhouse, and brand new parks like Heritage Park. We’re really focused on improving the quality of life for our residents.”

Making a mark on the community’s sustainability, the Department’s latest initiative, Litter Ends With Us, aims to mitigate and eliminate litter around the community.

“We want to be good stewards of the parks and trails, so we’ve organized staff and volunteer clean-ups throughout the year,” said Rogers. “We want to get the message out that we can all play a part in keeping our city clean by picking up litter anytime we see it.”

How do Park & Rec Agencies Support Economic Development?

Park and Recreation agencies play an essential role in economic development. According to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), more than 280 million people in the U.S. visited a local park or recreation facility at least once over the course of a year. Those visitors also share that they find accessibility and inclusivity important when choosing which parks to visit, noting that park and recreation agencies should engage with every community member to ensure offerings meet their needs.

Across the State of Texas in 2021, local and state park and recreation agencies generated nearly $14 billion in economic activity, added over $6 billion in gross domestic product, supported nearly 75,000 jobs, and paid salaries, wages, and benefits totaling $4.3 billion.

Beyond the expenditures, parks and recreation agencies contribute to other critical economic impacts like health and wellness, conservation and resiliency, property values, quality of life, and increased tourism – all significant factors in attracting employers and workers to an area. In fact, 84 percent of U.S. adults say that having access to high-quality parks and recreation is important when choosing a place to live.

“We want to empower our citizens to learn, discover, and live life to the fullest and build a stronger community,” Rogers said. “By visiting our parks, trails, and facilities, participating in our events and programs, and taking advantage of our amenities, you’re supporting us and allowing us to enhance the quality of life in the Grapevine community.”

We’d Love to See You In Grapevine!

Like most park and recreation agencies around the country, Grapevine Parks & Rec employs a workforce responsible for various operations and development work. From ensuring facilities are maintained to planning, organizing, and overseeing programming and events, there are a variety of part-time, full-time, and seasonal careers and job opportunities to explore. You can learn more about the programs, parks, facilities, amenities, and offerings of Grapevine Parks and Rec by visiting gograpevine.com.

If you’d like to learn more about life in Grapevine, please contact Grapevine Economic Development. You can follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter!

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