July is National Park and Recreation Month

Pasadena, Texas, isn't just about city life. With over 50 parks and miles of trails, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It is also home to the nation’s largest urban wilderness preserve, Armand Bayou Nature Center, and is known for having the world’s largest strawberry shortcake at the Pasadena Strawberry Festival. Outside adventures are plentiful in this historically and culturally rich city in Southeast Texas.

What is Park and Recreation Month?

Park and Recreation Month has been an almost 40-year tradition of recognizing and celebrating, “ ... the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals - along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers - who maintain and help build strong and vibrant communities through the power of parks and recreation.”

This year’s theme is Where You Belong, and Pasadena, Texas is where YOU belong to celebrate the summer. Pasadena has 47 pocket, neighborhood, community, and regional parks, four recreation centers, and an adaptive recreational facility dedicated to assisting young and old outdoor enthusiasts with disabilities.

Thank You Parks & Rec Professionals, Workers, & Volunteers

Pasadena is the second-largest city in the Greater Houston metro with a surprisingly small-town feel. As economic developers, we know the direct correlation between visiting parks and recreational facilities and economic development. Parks and recreation serve as an economic driver bringing visitors to our community to play at a park, participate in a tournament, or spend leisure time. When this happens, money is spent throughout the city at restaurants, gas stations, lodging, and touristic retail, helping to strengthen the workforce with job creation. This ecosystem improves the quality of life for current residents and future generations.  

National Park and Recreation Month celebrates the people who do the work. The benefits of multiple parks and recreation options are greater than outdoor joy for the community, and could not happen without the dedicated parks and recreation professionals, workers, and volunteers.

Pasadena EDC salutes YOU! We thank all workers, staff, and volunteers for your tireless efforts in maintaining Pasadena’s parks and recreation, helping staff create a welcoming environment, and offering grand options to residents and guests alike. Your dedication is a major reason why Pasadena thrives as a vibrant community with a top-notch quality of life. You are appreciated!

For more information on Pasadena’s outdoor offerings, visit Pasadena Parks and Recreation. Don’t forget to peruse the list of  47 parks and trails, and four recreation centers, or visit adaptive recreation to help plan your visit.