July recognized in South Lake Tahoe as 'Parks Make Life Better' month with photo contest

The City of South Lake Tahoe Community Services Department is celebrating July 2013 as “Parks Make Life Better” month as recognized by the California Park and Recreation Society.

California's Legislature recently approved a resolution officially declaring July as “Parks Make Life Better” month. This measure recognizes the importance of access to local parks, trails, open space, and facilities for the health and development of all California residents. A research study sponsored by the CPRS shows that 98% of households visit a local park at least once a year, two in three households visit a park once a month, and 50% of households participate in an organized recreation program.

Based on these results, CPRS developed this new brand, “Parks Make Life Better.” The brand promise incorporates the benefits residents reported as most important including access to nature, exercise and gathering spots. According to Recreation Manager Lauren Thomaselli, “A great example of how the department demonstrates the values of the campaign is through South Tahoe Adventure Recreation Camp. The STAR Camp mission is to provide an active, healthy, and safe environment for youth to learn and play. The camp motto is “NO Child Left Inside.”

The City of South Lake Tahoe Community Services Department pledges to “create community through people, parks and programs” and invites the community to come visit one of our parks, community centers, pools or programs that you haven’t yet tried in honor of the occasion!

In recognition of the month of July celebrating “Parks Make Life Better,” the Community Services Department is inviting community members to participate in a “Parks Make Life Better” photo contest during the month of July. Photo submissions are to include yourself, family or friends enjoying a recreation activity in South Lake Tahoe such as Bijou Park, Regan Beach, Lakeview Commons, STAR Camp, youth or adult sport program or favorite recreation center class. See the attached Rules and Facts for the photo contest.

For more information, visit us online at www.cityofslt.us/recreation or call us at (530) 542-6056.

See the flier below on how to enter, official contest and rules and photo ideas and activities suggested by South Lake Tahoe Community Services.