We’ve long known what research now confirms: public parks and recreation make our communities thrive. Here in Boulder, Colorado, USA, we have an incredible network of parks, facilities, and programs that make our community healthier, more connected, and more sustainable every day.

But here’s something else that’s just as important: our parks and recreation system is also a powerful driver of workplace well-being—supporting employees’ health, balance, and success. As a working mom, I know that being a part of this field has been key to my success—both personally and professionally.

Each July, communities across the country come together to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month. This year, I invite you to reflect on how your local system doesn’t just improve neighborhoods, it uplifts lives. It builds stronger teams, supports working parents, and creates pathways for women in leadership—who still represent a small share of local government administrators.

Here are just a few powerful ways parks and rec is shaping a brighter future for all of us.

Affordable Childcare

Childcare can be one of the biggest barriers to workforce participation. Our neighbors in the town of Erie are meeting that challenge head-on, making sure employees can access popular summer camps. When kids have safe, enriching places to go, working moms (and all parents!) can show up fully at work.

Workplace Flexibility

Our parks and rec facilities are open more than a hundred hours each week, providing a lot of opportunities for meeting both business and family needs. I’ll never forget my early years at the North Boulder Recreation Center. Starting work at noon on Wednesdays so I could take my kids to pre-school gymnastics at my own recreation center was magic.

Mental Health Support

Green spaces are powerful for mental health. Research shows that time in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression—something every working parent can appreciate. In Boulder, our well-being culture includes walking breaks in the community garden next to my office, often with a teammate! As ICMA keynote speaker Dan Pink reminded us, even a few minutes outside can make a huge difference. Why not turn a team meeting into a walking meeting?

Physical Health Opportunities

Recreation programs aren’t just for residents, they’re for us, too. Offering employees access to classes, facility passes, or lunchtime workouts builds health and strengthens team bonds. I still remember kickboxing with coworkers in my early days with the city of Boulder. Last fall, several of us trained for a half marathon thanks to a local race partnership. Commiserating over the training and challenging race course connected us in a special way.

This summer, I hope you join us in celebrating what makes public parks and recreation so special—not just the green spaces and fun programs but also the people behind them. Cheers to the teammates that keep our parks safe and beautiful, to the teams creating safe and joyful places for kids, and to the leaders championing wellness in every corner of our communities.

ALISON RHODES is director of Boulder Parks and Recreation, Boulder, Colorado, USA.