Governor Stein Proclaims Park and Recreation Professionals Day

Park And Recreation Professionals Day 

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, the State of North Carolina recognizes that the park and recreation field is a diverse and comprehensive system that improves personal, social, environmental, and economic health; and 

Whereas, the State of North Carolina recognizes the importance and benefits of our parks and the recreation services that enrich the lives of residents and help make our state a desirable place to live, work, and visit; and 

Whereas, the State of North Carolina supports the skilled work of park and recreation professionals to strengthen community cohesion and resiliency, connect people with nature and each other, and provide and promote opportunities for healthful living and environmental sustainability; and 

Whereas, the park and recreation profession employs more than 3,500 professionals in North Carolina’s local and state parks; and 

Whereas, the State of North Carolina values the essential services that park and recreation professionals and volunteers perform to provide recreational and developmental enrichment for our children, youth, adults, and older adults and to ensure our parks and other recreational spaces are clean, safe, accessible, welcoming, and ready to use;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim July 17, 2026, as “Park And Recreation Professionals Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-third day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.