Park and Recreation Month

This Park and Recreation Month, we are bringing attention to how important it is to rise up and support parks and recreation, because every day, park and recreation professionals rise up for their communities in service of equity, climate-readiness and overall health and well-being.

Parks are at the center of so many experiences and memories — moments that park and recreation professionals help make happen. Our local parks are often our first experiences in nature, our introduction to a favorite hobby or physical activity. They are places to gather with friends and family, spaces to celebrate life’s special moments, spots of respite and healing, sites that connect us with essential community services and so much more.

July is the perfect time to see what your local parks and recreation have to offer and share your stories about what parks and recreation mean to you.

To find out more about  all the events for Park and Recreation Month, check out our Facebook page.  

 2023 Events

Activity Date Time Location Details 
Pickleball Play Date July 1   Ironwood Courts  Click to view event details and how to sign up!
Pickleball Play Date  July 2   Ironwood Courts  Click to view event details and how to sign up!
Pickleball Play Date  July 4   Ironwood Courts  Click to view event details and how to sign up!
4th of July Early Bird Swim July 4 9-10:30 a.m.  Fairview Aquatic Center 
4th of July Sky Concert July 4 5-10 p.m.  Fairview Park Click to view event details. 
Red, White & Blue Yoga July 8 10-11 a.m. Outdoor at CAC- 1110 Douglas St . (south side of building) Class will be held indoors in case of bad weather. Join us for this July 4th -inspired yoga class, complete with a Patriotic musical playlist guaranteed to move your mind, body and American spirit! No experience necessary. Please bring your own mat. 
Disc Golf Clinic  July 9 3-4:30 p.m. Maxwell Disc Golf Course  Join us for a free introductory clinic. Equipment is provided. Email Matt Frahm register! 
Penny Plunge July 12 5:30 p.m.  Fairview Aquatic Center  Click to view event details. 
Drive, Chip & Putt July 13 All Day  Ironwood Golf Course  Drive, Chip and Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development
competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three
fundamental skills employed in golf. Registration required!! Click to register. 
Open Bike Night  July 14 5-7 p.m. Safety Town Grab your helmets, bikes and trikes and come practice riding on the streets of Safety Town! Kids ages 3-12 learn all about bike safety and will practice thier skills on our bike course. 
Birding  July 15 7:30 a.m. Maxwell Park Pavilion   Join IWU Professor Given Harper for a leisurely bird walk through the park to see why Maxwell is so special for birdwatchers. Given is a birding expert and has done extensive research into the birds that breed across Normal- Bloomington. Three pairs of loaner binoculars will be provided to
share.
Pack the Park July 15  9-11:30 a.m. Underwood Park  Come to Underwood Park for a morning of fun activities your whole family will enjoy. Community partners in attendance at the event- Corn Belters, Ruby's Rescue, Normal Public Library and Miller Park. 
Adult Golf Skills Challenge  July 15 11 a.m. Ironwood Golf Course  Driving, Chipping and Putting...Each station is awarded points based on target or yardage. Winners for each category and an overall winner. Email Craig Onsrud to register! 
Superhero Day  July 16 Noon-
3 p.m. 
 Fairview Aquatics Center  We are hosting a Superhero Day at Fairview Aquatic Center! Activities, photo booth, giveaways and special guests! This event is FREE with paid admission.
Aqua Zumba  July 19 7-8 p.m.  Anderson Aquatic Center  Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with us and get your fitness on with Aqua Zumba! This free class is low-impact, high energy, and lots of fun!
Family Bocce Ball (SOAR)  July 20 6-7:30 p.m.  Maxwell Park  We partnered with SOAR for a family night of fun and bocce ball! 
Birding  July 22 7:30 a.m. Hidden Creek Park  Come take a bird walk with Mercy! The Town's recent efforts to restore the natural areas at Hidden Creek have greatly improved the bird habitat. On this walk, you will see birds that nest in Normal and birds that call Normal home year-round. This walk is appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. Three pairs of loaner binoculars will be provided to share.
Garden Walk July 22 8:30-11:30 a.m. 220 Garden Rd. Normal  Join us in July for a garden walk hosted by friends of the
Bloomington Normal Garden Club. 
The entire yard is planted in native species! The flagstone walkways take people through approximately 40 native trees, 80 native shrubs, and over 4,800 wildflowers that bloom from early March through late October every year!!
Please stay on the flagstone walkways at all times while in the yard.
Fluid Yo-Chi Yoga July 22 10-11 a.m.  Outdoor at CAC- 1110 Douglas St . (south side of building) Class will be held indoors in case of bad weather. This unique hybrid class is an energetic blend of Yoga and Tai Chi designed to enhance and restore natural energy, mobility, calmness and clarity. Class ends with a gentle guided meditation. No experience necessary - all abilities welcome. Please bring your own mat.
Family Bingo  July 22  1-3 p.m Community Activity Center Join us for an afternoon of Disney & TV Themed music-bingo with Twin City Trivia. Enjoy a family activity out of the heat!
Kids Night Out- Christmas in July  July 28  6:30-9 p.m. Anderson Aquatic Center  Parents, enjoy a night off while your little ones enjoy a supervised kids-only pool party at Anderson Aquatic Center! Participants will get private use of the two main pools while enjoying fun music and themed games. Dinner drink and a treat will be provided. Children should bring a towel and arrive ready to party wearing a swimsuit and cover-up! 
Trivia in the Park July 29  6-7:30 p.m.  Maxwell Park  Details coming soon!!