nat iona l Park & Recreation Month By RICA LEWIS Get your play on. It's not just a great idea; it's actually a national initiative. Every July since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has celebrated Park and Recreation Month on a national and grassroots level. What does this mean for Villagers? Simply put: More fun. Recreation staff is gearing up to bring you themed events, new twists on familiar activities, scavenger hunts, introductory classes and more adventure, indoors and out - and it all happens in July. It's a monthlong celebration you don't want to miss. Park and Recreation Month was created to raise awareness of the impact of parks and recreation in our country. Recreation plays a major role in meeting emotional, social and physical needs within the community. The national celebration helps advance existing programs, introduce new ones, and endorse individual and collective wellness. In honor of this special month, we're taking a brief look at the benefits of recreation and showcasing the fun you can expect to find within every region in The Villages. Here's why we think recreation rocks ... 8 JULY 2017