By: Matt Milde

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is challenging communities across the nation to make an effort to celebrate the month of July as Parks and Recreation Month to promote healthy and active lifestyles as a year-round way of life. By the end of this year The City of Menlo Park’s Community Service Department is expected to serve 22,648 members of the community through classes, events and programs with 1,400,000 total participant hours. In the past year, the Community Service Department has hosted 22 community-wide special events to increase the vibrancy of the City and in partnering with 11 professional organizations, the City has supported 59 days of performing arts programing at the Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center (M-A PAC). With opportunities for personal development found in every class and program offered, our services enhance the lives of all ages, develop motor skills, foster new relationships and improve the health of members in the community. Every day the Community Service Department team strives to provide the highest quality of services through community classes, child care centers, gymnastics, sport fields, tennis courts, gyms, senior programs, summer camps, aquatic programming and a whole lot more. The City of Menlo Park provides opportunities for residents to be part of play, recreation and healthy living, which goes hand in hand with what the Parks and Recreation Month initiative promotes. Residents of all ages are encouraged to take this time to enjoy all of the community benefits our City offers and look for ways to get outside and continue an active and healthy lifestyle throughout the year. Get Your Play On!