Every morning, before the first jogger hits the trail, before children arrive at summer camp and before families gather for Movies in the Park, hundreds of City employees are already hard at work.

While much of San Diego is waking up, park crews are preparing ballfields, recreation staff are opening community centers, lifeguards are getting pools ready for the day, and maintenance teams are mowing fields and making sure parks and playgrounds are clean, safe and ready to welcome thousands of visitors to explore.

Most people never see that work. They simply enjoy the results.

In recognition of the people who help make those experiences possible, the San Diego City Council recently proclaimed July as National Park and Recreation Month, recognizing the essential role parks and recreation play in building healthy communities strengthening neighborhoods and bringing people together.

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department manages one of California’s largest and most diverse park systems, including more than 500 parks, 14 miles of shoreline, 64 recreation centers, 16 pools, 13 skate parks and plazas, three golf courses and more than 43,000 acres of park assets.

Behind every park, recreation center, pool and open space is a team dedicated to creating welcoming places where people of all ages can be active, connect with others and enjoy their community.

Summer is one of the department’s busiest seasons. Programs such as Parks After Dark, summer camps, the Summer Lunch Program and Movies in the Park offer free and affordable opportunities for children, families and neighbors to learn, play and build lasting memories.

The celebration continues during Parks After Dark at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at City Heights Recreation Center, where the National Park and Recreation Month proclamation will be recognized as part of the evening’s festivities.

That work extends beyond City employees. Community partners, including the San Diego Parks Foundation, help expand recreation opportunities, support volunteer projects and enhance parks throughout the city.

The next time you visit a neighborhood park, walk a trail or watch a child race across a playground, remember those moments don’t happen by chance. They reflect the daily work of hundreds of City employees and community partners who help keep San Diego’s parks safe, welcoming and vibrant.

To learn more about City parks, recreation centers and upcoming programs and events, visit the Parks and Recreation webpage.