Florida State Parks Celebrates July as National Recreation and Park Month

TALLAHASSEE, FL — July is National Recreation and Park Month and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service invites visitors to explore Florida’s 160 state parks this month. Along with a proclamation by Governor Rick Scott, DEP will celebrate with free day-use entry into all state parks on Sunday, July 17, 2011 (except Skyway Fishing Pier).

“DEP and the Florida Park Service are always looking for ways to provide fun, safe, family-friendly and economically-accessible opportunities for Floridians and visitors,” said DEP Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. “Recreation and Parks Month is a great time to get out and explore new adventures in Florida’s great state parks!”

Continuing the theme of Family. Friends. Fun., Florida’s 160 state parks will host events throughout the state for individuals and families of all ages and interests. Visit www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/events.cfm for a complete listing of state park events. Endless opportunities await residents and visitors to head outdoors and experience Florida’s resources from paddling beautiful Florida rivers and cooling off in some of the state’s 70 degree springs to reading under the shade of an ancient tree and touring preserved homes of generations gone by.

Kicking off during National Recreation and Parks Month, the Outdoor Challenge for kids is a great way to get kids outside and involve the entire family. Print the checklist of outdoor activities and the entry form. Visit a Florida state park with a book and a camera. Read a book and complete five or more of the more than 20 activities on the checklist. Remember to take lots of photos and send them in to earn a free one day park pass to return for more fun.

The Outdoor Challenge runs through the end of September and details are available at: www.floridastateparks.org/thingstodo/outdoorchallenge/.