Parks and Recreation programs are an integral part of life in Dare County and throughout the nation. They build healthy, active communities that aid in the prevention of chronic disease, provide therapeutic recreation services for those who are mentally or physically disabled, and also improve the mental and emotional health of all citizens.

July is National Parks and Recreation month and Dare County is celebrating this year's "Get Wild" theme by offering a variety of family friendly activities! Get wild with your workouts this month and join us in one of our many programs and activities for all ages. Throughout the entire month of July, Parks and Recreation is hosting a Sand Sculpture Contest for families. Head to the beach and build your sand sculpture, take your picture with it and send the photo along with a completed registration form to your local Recreation office by Monday, July 30. Registration forms are available at all Parks and Recreation offices or online. Winners will be announced at the Get Wild final celebration on Tuesday, July 31 at Family Recreation Park in Kill Devil Hills from 5 PM to 9 PM

Get even wilder at one of our Get Wild events.

FC Minton Memorial Basketball Tournament

The 2012 FC Minton Memorial Basketball Tournament will be held July 6-8 at the Youth Center in Kill Devil Hills. All proceeds from the tournament fund scholarship programs for Parks and Recreation activities and events. A canned good donation or $1 is requested for admittance.

The Hot Shot and 3 point contest are open to the public with a $5 registration fee. Come support the participating teams and show off some of your best basketball moves. Raffles and giveaways will be held.

For more information, please contact Deshawn Banks, Leisure Services Coordinator for Dare County Parks and Recreation at 252.475.5925.

Rockin' the Rec

Come hang with your friends at Rockin' the Rec at the Youth Center in Kill Devil Hills from 9 PM to 12 PM on Saturday, July 21, 2012. There will be DJ style entertainment, free drinks and food available for purchase. It's sure to be a fun time. This event is for high school youth only.

Cost: $5

Prizes will be given away at every Rockin' the Rec event. If you come to 3 of the 5 events you'll be entered to win an iPad2 on August 18th.

Sundays in the Park

Every Sunday in the month of July from 6-8pm, bring the whole family to the Fessenden Center located at 46830 Hwy 12 in Buxton. Enjoy free food, live music and great entertainment for the whole family. This event promotes community awareness and family involvement and is sure to be a great time for the whole family. We hope to see you every Sunday in July.

In addition, everyone is invited to help Dare County Parks and Recreation celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month on Tuesday, July 24 at Westcott Park in Manteo and Tuesday, July 31 at Family Recreation Park in Kill Devil Hills with a cookout, entertainment and family friendly games. In the event of rain, the celebrations will be held inside the Lion's Club Center at Westcott Park and the Youth Center in Kill Devil Hills.

Parks and Recreation is seeking sponsors for these events from interested businesses or individuals. For more information or sponsor opportunities, please contact Charlotte Midgett at 475.5921.