Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — The City of Orange Beach is celebrating National Park and Recreation Month throughout July 2026 with a wide range of activities for residents of all ages and abilities. The Orange Beach Parks and Recreation Department has organized events at facilities across the city. Programs will feature a red, white, and blue theme as part of the America250Alabama Initiative honoring America's 250th birthday. This marks the third consecutive year that Orange Beach has joined the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) monthlong initiative.

The celebration runs from Wednesday, July 1, through Friday, July 31, 2026. The month's theme is "The Power Of…" — a nod to how parks and recreation bring people together through play, nature, belonging, and community. The city formally proclaimed July Parks and Recreation Month, supporting the NRPA program.

Nicole Ard, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Orange Beach, said the month is a meaningful reminder of the role parks play in a community. "July is one of our busiest months and a great reminder of the positive impact parks and recreation have on our community every day," Ard said.

She added that her department looks forward to continuing to grow the tradition. "As we celebrate our third annual Parks and Recreation Month, we're excited to continue growing this tradition, highlight our exceptional staff, and offer programs, events, and facilities that help make Orange Beach a vibrant, connected community that is such a special place to live and play," Ard said.

The full schedule of events includes:

• Wednesday, July 1 — Rock & Roll Tie-Dye Party, Senior Center, 5–7 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 1 — City-Wide Scavenger Hunt begins; runs through July 31
• Thursday, July 2 — Free Range Buckets, Golf Center, 2–5 p.m.
• Friday, July 3 — Dive-In Movie (new this year), Aquatics Center, 7–9 p.m.
• Saturday, July 11 — Outdoor Intro to Pickleball Clinic (new), Pickleball Complex, 8–9:15 a.m.
• Saturday, July 11 — Pop-Up Park & Block Party, Snook Park, 5:30–8 p.m. (includes the second annual Orange Beach Hot Dog Eating Contest)
• Tuesday, July 14 — Free Range Buckets, Golf Center, 9 a.m.–noon
• Saturday, July 18 — Family Tennis Clinic, Tennis Center, 9–11 a.m.
• Tuesday, July 21 — Coastal Table, Community Center, 5:30–7 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 22 — Indoor Intro to Pickleball Clinic, Rec Center, 3:15–4:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 25 — Fitness Expo (new this year), Rec Center, 8–11:30 a.m.
• Friday, July 31 — Summer Sendoff, Waterfront Park, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Ongoing events throughout July include the Swim250 Challenge at the Aquatics Center, where participants aim to swim 250 lengths of the pool. Every Monday, the Adult Fitness Center will offer a healthy Recipe of the Week card as part of a "Power of Nutrition" wellness initiative.

Park and Recreation Month is an NRPA program that has been celebrated nationwide for more than 40 years. It recognizes more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals, along with hundreds of thousands of part-time, seasonal workers, and volunteers who maintain public parks across the country.

Residents are encouraged to share their appreciation for park and recreation professionals on social media with #ThePowerOf. For more information, visit the Orange Beach city's website.