The City of Orange Beach will mark National Park and Recreation Month throughout July with a monthlong lineup of activities designed for residents of all ages and abilities, while also incorporating patriotic themes tied to America’s 250th birthday.

The city is participating in the National Recreation and Park Association’s Park and Recreation Month initiative for the third consecutive year, highlighting the role parks and recreation play in making island life stronger, more vibrant and more resilient, a news release said.

This year’s theme, “The Power Of...,” focuses on how parks and recreation bring people together through the power of play, nature, belonging and community. As part of the America250Alabama Initiative, many activities will feature a red, white and blue flair.

Returning favorites include the Rock & Roll Tie-Dye Party and the Pop-Up Park and Block Party, which will feature the second annual Orange Beach Hot Dog Eating Contest. New events this year include a Dive-In Movie and a Fitness Expo.

“July is one of our busiest months and a great reminder of the positive impact parks and recreation have on our community every day,” said Nicole Ard, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Orange Beach. “As we celebrate our third annual Parks and Recreation Month, we're excited to continue growing this tradition, highlighting our exceptional staff, and offering programs, events, and facilities that help make Orange Beach a vibrant, connected community that is such a special place to live and play.”

The celebration schedule includes:

July 1: Rock & Roll Tie-Dye Party, Senior Center, 5-7 p.m.
July 2: Free Range Buckets, Golf Center, 2-5 p.m.
July 3: Dive-In Movie, Aquatics Center, 7-9 p.m.
July 11: Outdoor Intro to Pickleball Clinic, Pickleball Complex, 8-9:15 a.m.

July 11: Pop-Up Park and Block Party, Snook Park, 5:30-8 p.m.
July 14: Free Range Buckets, Golf Center, 9 a.m.-noon
July 18: Family Tennis Clinic, Tennis Center, 9-11 a.m.
July 21: Coastal Table, Community Center, 5:30-7 p.m.
July 22: Indoor Intro to Pickleball Clinic, Recreation Center, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
July 25: Fitness Expo, Recreation Center, 8-11:30 a.m.
July 31: Summer Sendoff, Waterfront Park, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

In addition to scheduled events, the city will offer several monthlong activities. Beginning July 1, residents can participate in a citywide scavenger hunt that encourages exploration of Orange Beach’s parks and recreation facilities. The Aquatics Center will host the Swim250 Challenge, with participants aiming to complete 250 pool lengths during the month. The Adult Fitness Center will also distribute a healthy Recipe of the Week each Monday as part of a wellness initiative recognizing “The Power of Nutrition.”

Orange Beach officials said the month also serves as an opportunity to recognize the professionals who maintain parks and recreation programs across the country.

The NRPA initiative has been celebrated nationwide for more than 40 years and honors more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals, along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal employees and volunteers who support local, state and community parks.

The NRPA and the City of Orange Beach encourage residents to share their appreciation for parks and recreation professionals on social media using #ThePowerOf.

Additional information and updates are available on the Orange Beach Parks and Recreation Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OrangeBeachRecreation and on the city website at www.orangebeachal.gov/park-and-recreation-month.