Napa Celebrates Successful Parks and Recreation Month

As July draws to a close, the City of Napa reflects on a vibrant Parks and Recreation Month, a nationwide initiative dedicated to highlighting the vital role parks and recreation plays in building strong, energetic and resilient communities. This month was marked by community engagement, artistic initiatives and other exciting activities in the City's public spaces.

This year's national theme, "Where You Belong", strongly resonated with the countless ways in which Napa's Parks and Recreation team works to foster a strong community. Through inclusive programming and critical services catering to all ages and abilities, as well as an ongoing commitment to enhancing the City's parks and outdoor spaces, the Parks and Recreation team helps make sure that Napa is a place for everyone.

"Our parks and recreation facilities and programs are fundamental to Napa's identity and quality of life," said Mayor Scott Sedgley. "I'm incredibly proud of our Parks and Recreation team's work in enhancing these facilities, as well as the extensive programming that brings our community together and these facilities to life. This Parks and Recreation month has showcased all they do to make sure that Napa is where our community belongs."

Parks and Recreation Month included significant progress on several public art initiatives, which aim to capture the spirit of Napa and enhance its visual landscape. A key highlight was the selection of a theme for the Fuller Park playable art installation: leaves. The City has also opened calls for artists for the 2024 Dia de los Muertos celebration and the 2025 Lighted Art Festival.

While some projects are still in early development, community members can look forward to the 8th Napa Art Walk, which will kick off in September. This upcoming art walk will run through 2026 and features nine pieces that fit the theme of Climate Action and Sustainability. There are also several other exciting developer-funded projects in the works, including the Roundabout Public Art Project, HWY 29 Undercrossing Mural and Soscol Median Public Art Project.

The City also continued development of its Urban Forestry Management Plan, which will direct the City's vision for the care, preservation and enhancement of Napa's urban forest landscape over the next 40 years. The City also maintained its status as a Tree City USA for the thirty-third year. These initiatives exemplify the City's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable recreation.

The success of Napa's Parks and Recreation is enhanced by the support of community organizations like the Napa Parks and Recreation Foundation (NPRF), who advocate for Napa's thriving parks system and fundraises for unfunded recreational programs, community events, park improvements and youth scholarships for low-income families. This includes extensive fundraising that allows for free, or near free, swim lessons for City of Napa residents.

This Summer, the Parks and Recreation team is providing a number of youth summer camps that create a safe, fun and educational environment for Napa's kids to explore their interests. These include Camp Napa for kids ages 5-9, Adventure Camps for kids ages 7-12 and Leader-in-Training programs for kids ages 12-15. The Parks and Recreation team is also partnering with community partners to provide specialized sport camps in basketball, fencing, tennis and more!

"The enthusiasm we've seen for our summer programs this year has been truly inspiring," said Napa Parks and Recreation Director Breyana Brandt. "We're excited to offer such a diverse range of programs to make sure that all kids in Napa have a place to explore their interests and grow."

Looking ahead, the Parks and Recreation team continues to identify opportunities to expand programs and improve facilities to create a better quality of life for all residents.

For more information about Napa's parks, recreation and upcoming events, visit www.CityOfNapa.org/ParksAndRec or call 707-257-9529.

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