For Immediate Release

Ontario Communities Celebrate Recreation and Parks Month

May 23, 2017 Ontario - Communities across Ontario are celebrating June isRecreation and Parks Month 2017, marking 150 years of recreation and parks. June is Recreation and Parks Month (JRPM) is recognized by municipalities, community organizations and schools as a way of promoting the benefits of being active and how recreation and parks contribute to quality of life. This year, to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, JRPM will showcase more than 150 events and activities on its website. Each day will also include featured activities from ParticipAction’s 150 Play List. The website also features a full listing of events occurring in various communities across the province in June.

Everyone can participate in Recreation and Parks Month, from active older adult groups to kids’camps to communities coming together for a festival or event. Recreation and Parks Month builds strong and vibrant communities and celebrates the spectacular parks and open spaces in Ontario. Recreation and parks also provide children with more opportunities for active play. It helps them discover their own strengths and to connect with their peers.

“Recreation and Parks Month encourages everyone to participate and to experience the many wonderful parks and recreation programs in Ontario,” said Parks and Recreation Ontario CEO Cathy Denyer. “There’s no better way to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday than by getting involved and active in your community and enjoying the health benefits that our beautiful parks and recreation services provide.”

To learn more about Recreation and Parks Month, please visit recandparksmonth.ca. For daily updates follow Parks and Recreation Month on Twitter @PROntario and on Facebook @RecreationAndParksMonth and use hashtags #RecandParksMonth #Canada150.

During Recreation and Parks Month, there are a number of celebrations that support opportunities for active recreation. For example, June 21 is National Aboriginal Day, which honours the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island and there are celebrations happening across the province. June is also Seniors’ Month, with the theme of “Living your Best Life.”

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About JRPM:

June is Recreation and Parks Month is a program of Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO). PRO is a non-profit association of leaders in recreation and parks that advances the health, social and environmental benefits of quality recreation and parks. For more information on PRO, please visit

Media Contact:

Sara Zammit, Parks and Recreation Ontario

1 Concorde Gate, Suite 302, Toronto, ON M3C 3N6

p. 416-426-7179 / e.