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Adopt a resolution designating the month of July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month and July 17, 2026, as Park and Recreation Professionals Day in Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution designating the month of July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month and July 17, 2026, as Park and Recreation Professionals Day in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
Since 1985, public agencies and organizations across the nation have recognized the month of July as a time to celebrate parks and recreation opportunities. For the 41st year in a row The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is designating July as “Park and Recreation Month” with a 2026 theme of “The Power Of” to celebrate the vital roles park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging. The NRPA is also designating July 17, 2026, as Park and Recreation Professionals Day to honor all the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide the high-quality programs and infrastructure we desire and expect in our parks and public open spaces. To support this effort on a statewide basis, the California Park and Recreation Society designated July as “Parks Make Life Better! ® Month” to raise awareness of the benefits of parks and recreation throughout California and to raise the status of parks and recreation as an essential community service.
The County maintains and operates five County Parks: Lake Solano Park, Sandy Beach Park, Belden’s Landing Boat Launch Facility, Lynch Canyon Open Space and Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park. Each of these parks provides opportunities for public enjoyment and showcase different aspects of Solano County’s environment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2025/26 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2025/26 Recommended Budget.
DISCUSSION:
Solano County Parks play an important role in improving public health and the quality of life of residents and visitors by connecting them with nature through outdoor recreational opportunities, hands on environmental education, and youth development activities, benefiting businesses by increasing tourism and improving the environment through protecting and restoring habitat within the parks. Adoption of the resolution would also recognize the County Parks’ staff, contractors, volunteers, and other professionals who ensure that our parks and recreational spaces are maintained to be clean, safe, inclusive, welcoming, and ready to use.
Locally, each of Solano County’s five parks and the nine permanent and eleven part time staff dedicated to these parks have demonstrated their continued commitment to providing a welcoming environment in our parks. In recent years, the importance of access to the variety of recreational opportunities these parks provide has become even more important to the visiting public. Wildfire, health crises, and societal factors can weigh heavily upon the public and County parks present opportunities for individuals to rejuvenate and reconnect with themselves, nature and their community.
The 2026 theme of “the Power Of”, draws attention to the multitude of powerful impacts recreation and parks have on our community, including:
• The Power of Connection: Parks and recreation is where relationships grow, cultures meet and communities bond.
• The Power of Play: From playgrounds to programs to youth sports, play fuels creativity, joy and lifelong learning.
• The Power of Community: Public spaces offer room for everyone to gather, celebrate and heal.
• The Power of Nature: Nature restores and inspires us, and parks ensure everyone can access its benefits.
• The Power of Belonging: Welcoming parks and programs make every person feel valued.
• The Power of Well-Being: Parks and recreation advances health, resilience and shared community benefits.
Solano County Parks staff continue to provide excellent experiences for the public by maintaining high-quality facilities and providing positive public interactions which leave lasting positive impressions with visitors about their enjoyable time at Solano parks. Multiple projects in the parks are either under construction or in the final permitting stages. These projects were developed specifically to increase access, restore habitats, provide infrastructure improvements, and increase environmental education programming to continue to enhance the Power of Parks and Open Spaces for the residents and visitors of Solano County.
Designating this July as Park and Recreation Month and July 17, 2026, as Park and Recreation Professionals Day provides an opportunity to highlight how community grows in our parks, as well as the value the Park and Recreation Division staff provide to safe access to the rich outdoor recreational and educational opportunities available at Solano County Parks.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt this resolution. This is not recommended because this is an opportunity to promote the parks and recreation opportunities in Solano County and recognize the staff dedicated to maintaining, protecting and providing access to these resources so the public can safely enjoy them.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION