Family Health and Fitness Day
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) celebrates Family Health and Fitness Day on the second Saturday of June each year. There are numerous studies that demonstrate the correlation between access to parks, open space and nature and improved physical and mental health. The purpose of this day is to recognize the importance of parks and recreation services in keeping communities healthy.
- Living close to parks and other recreation infrastructure is consistently related to higher physical activity levels for both adults and youth. Moreover, parks provide a connection to nature, which studies demonstrate relieves stress, tightens interpersonal relationships and improves mental health. As little as 20 minutes a day spent outdoors helps reduce stress.
- According to the June 2021 NRPA Park Pulse, 93 percent of U.S. adults say their mental health is improved by services offered by local park and recreation professionals and agencies. The top three mental health opportunities found in parks and recreation include: socializing with friends and family, spending time in nature, and exercising.
- According to the November 2021 NRPA Park Pulse, three In four U.S. adults say it is important that they have access to public walking, hiking or biking trails near their home.
Events and Programs
For Family Health & Fitness Day 2023, Regional Parks is pleased to share these programs and “parknership events" for the community to enjoy on Saturday, June 10.
- Run With the Goats
- Join Sacramento County Regional Parks staff at Cherry Island Sports Complex (2429 U Street, Elverta, CA) to see our chomping crew in action, learn more about the 2023 Fire Fuel Reduction Program, and follow the goats as they transition from one location over the Dry Creek Parkway Trail Bridge to their next pit stop on the Parkway!
- 9 a.m. - noon
- Free event, free parking
- Family Fun at Cherry Island Golf Course
- Join the crew at Cherry Island Golf Course (2360 Elverta Road, Elverta, CA) for a morning of family fun! Bounce houses, face painting, kids introduction to golf stations and more!
- 9 a.m. - noon
- Free event, free parking
- Water Lantern Festival at Gibson Ranch
- “Night of the Revving Dead" at Dry Creek Ranch House
- Join Alley Cats Car Club at the Dry Creek Ranch House (6852 Dry Creek Road, Rio Linda, CA) for the “Night of the Revving Dead" car show, music and family fun.
- Noon – 8 p.m.
- Free event for spectators
- $10 per vehicle parking fee
- Volunteer Workday at the Sacramento Valley Conservancy
- Roll up your sleeves and make some new friends as we give Camp Pollock (1501 Northgate Blvd, Sacramento, CA) a little love. Tasks vary depending on property needs, and may include planting, weeding, painting, digging, fence building, raking, building maintenance and native plant propagation. All ages and experience levels welcome.
- 8 a.m. – noon.
- Free event, free parking
- Education Center Open House at Sacramento Splash
- The Splash Education Center (4426 Excelsior Road, Mather, CA) will be open for folks to drop in and discover the magic that thousands of students per year experience when they visit Splash on their school field trips.
- 9 a.m. – noon
- Free event, free parking
- Morning Bird Walk at Mather Lake With Sacramento Splash
- Sacramento Splash is offering a free morning bird walk around Mather Lake (4103 Zinfandel Road, Mather, CA).
- 9 – 10:30 a.m.
- $6.00 per vehicle entry fee
- Yoga on the Farm at American River Ranch
- Hosted by Soil Born Farms, this 60-minute class at American River Ranch (2140 Chase Dr. Rancho Cordova, CA) includes breath work and intentional movement and is open to all levels. Advance registration and payment required. Bring your own mat and water bottle.
- 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
- Free parking
- Farm Stand Open at Soil Born Farms
- Buy farm fresh organic produce, learn more about American River Ranch (2140 Chase Dr. Rancho Cordova, CA), classes and volunteering opportunities.
- 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Free parking
- Hang Out With the American River Bike Patrol
- Join members of the volunteer Bike Patrol at an Information, Hydration and Bike Mechanical Station, and take a tour along the American River Parkway trail. Location: TBD
- Free event
- $6 per vehicle entry fee at American River Parkway entrances
- Sensational Snakes at Effie Yeaw Nature Center
- Meet a resident snake up-close and discover how these reptiles use their senses to survive. Enjoy a short stroll with a naturalist and learn how to be safe when viewing the reptiles who dwell in the Nature Preserve. This program includes a presentation and a hike.
- 10:30 a.m.
- Free event, donations accepted
- $6.00 per vehicle entry fee
- Docent Lead Walk At the Cosumnes River Preserve
- Join Cosumnes River Preserve docents on a guided hike along the River Walk Trail! This hike will take you back to the days when the Plains Miwok once inhabited the Cosumnes River's surrounding landscape.
- Free event, free parking, pre-registration required.
These actions are consistent with the Department’s overall mission to enhance the health, enjoyment and quality of life in the region by:
- Acquiring, managing, and protecting park and open space lands;
- Educating the public on the uses and values of leisure time activities, and the cultural and natural history of the County;
- Growing and linking a system of regional parks, trails and open space in Sacramento and neighboring counties;
- Providing a broad range of recreational activities for the community’s diverse populations;
- Providing stewardship and protection of Sacramento County’s regional park system through partnerships, planning and community involvement.
