Stockton residents are invited to get outside, get creative, and reconnect with their community this July as the City of Stockton celebrates National Parks and Recreation Month with a full lineup of free activities for families, seniors, children, and residents of all ages.
Following a June 23 proclamation by the Stockton City Council recognizing July as National Parks and Recreation Month, the City’s Community Services Department is encouraging the community to “Unearth the Stories and Unleash the Fun” through events that highlight the important role parks, community centers, recreation programs, and libraries play in everyday life.
From Tai Chi in the park and magical storytelling for families to outdoor games, technology-based crafting, painting, and healthy cooking demonstrations, the monthlong celebration is designed to bring people together in welcoming spaces throughout Stockton.
“National Parks and Recreation Month is about more than parks,” the City shared in its announcement. It is a reminder that recreation programs, community centers, and libraries help improve quality of life by offering places where residents can learn, play, connect, stay active, and thrive.
The celebration begins Thursday, July 2, with Tai Chi in the Park at Oak Park Senior Center, 730 E. Fulton Street. Residents can take part in an introductory Tai Chi class led by Bing Hui from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. or 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. No experience or equipment is needed.
On July 9, families can head to Stribley Community Center, 1760 E. Sonora Street, for Ollie’s Magical Summer Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. The evening will include storytelling, creative activities, refreshments, and summer fun.
The fun continues July 16 at Arnold Rue Community Center, 5758 Lorraine Avenue, with The Power of Community: Outdoor Games & More from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy outdoor games, giant bubbles, sidewalk chalk art, and help create a community mural celebrating creativity and connection.
For those interested in hands-on innovation, Crafting with Technology will take place July 23 at Seifert Community Center, 128 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, from 5 to 7 p.m. Participants can explore Cricut machines, 3D printing, and other maker activities.
The month wraps up with two events on July 30. Sprouting Healthy Eating Habits will be held at Ursula Meyer Community Center, 1461 E. Morada Lane, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring healthy cooking tips, live demonstrations, and affordable recipes families can recreate at home. Later that evening, Painting in the Park will take place at Van Buskirk Community Center, 734 Houston Avenue, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., inviting residents to enjoy an evening of creativity and community.
National Parks and Recreation Month also serves as a thank-you to the staff, volunteers, and community partners who help make Stockton’s parks, libraries, and community spaces active and accessible throughout the year. Whether residents are discovering a new book, joining a recreation class, attending a neighborhood event, or simply spending time outdoors, Stockton’s Community Services Department continues to create opportunities for people to come together.
For more information about July activities, visit stocktonca.gov/community/recreation or follow Stockton Recreation on Instagram at @stockton.recreation and Facebook at facebook.com/COSrecreation.
Source: City of Stockton news release.