July is National Parks and Recreation Month and the city of Cape Coral has a chock full of activities planned throughout the city all month long to promote how parks and recreation provide for a better quality of life for everyone in the city.

The biggest event, Red, White & BOOM!, went off without a hitch after being shelved last year, but there are still many more opportunities to participate in an event that has been celebrated each July since 1985 throughout the country.

“It’s intended to remind people of all the benefits parks and recreation bring into their lives, everything from good health to making new friends,” said Michelle Dean, marketing coordinator. “Many things that happen in parks can be done for free or are affordable. It’s to bring positive attention to the opportunities in their own back yard.”

Events include:

Free Kid’s Fishing Tournament at Yacht Club Pier

Sunday, July 11, 10 a.m.

Divisions – 16 & under, 11 & under, 7 & under; Participants will meet in the Yacht Club Ballroom at 10:00am for tournament rules and kick-off. Pre-registration is required at 239-574-0806 or online at www.CapeParks.com

Free Ice Cream Social at Lake Kennedy Center (All ages)

Wednesday, July 14, 1:30 p.m.

Enjoy FREE ice cream sundaes, music and activities with the Fun-Mobile! Pre-registration is recommended at 239-574-0575.

Free Family Fun Open House at Four Freedoms Park (3+ yrs)

Saturday, July 17, 10 a.m. to noon

This event will include a spray art activity center, crafts, seasonal events informational area, VPK/Preschool tours, a child yoga demo, photo booth, snow cones, popcorn, glowsticks, and more! For details, call 239-574-0804.

$1 Off Youth Pool Entry to Yacht Club Pool. Youth up to age 18 will receive $1 off normal pool admission. For more info, call 239-574-0806.

Free Boat Trailer Parking at Boat Ramps

Saturday, July 24-Sunday, July 25

Boaters can enjoy complimentary boat trailer parking at Cape Coral’s five developed boat ramps including the Yacht Club Boat Ramp, Horton Park, Rosen Park, Burnt Store Marina and BMX Boat Ramp. The normal daily boat trailer parking fee is $10.

Free Family Field Day at the Youth Center (All ages)

Saturday, July 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Families will participate in fun competitions including a three-legged race, tug of war and more, plus enjoy music and refreshments. For more information, call 239-242-3950.

Free “Bob Ross” Paint Along at the Art Center

Saturday, July 24, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.

This free event, which will include a contest for the best Bob Ross costume, is open to all ages; however, participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Must pre-register by Friday, July 23 at 239-574-0802.

Summer Plant Sale at Rotary Park

Saturday, July 31, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

There will be a large variety of native plants, as well as non-native but nice butterfly plants and edibles available for sale plus a variety of free Parks & Recreation Month giveaways. For more information, call 239-549-4606

Ongoing is a “Share Your Parks & Rec Story Sweeps” on Facebook from until July 27, in which three random winners will be selected to receive $100 Parks and Recreation gift cards.

Furthermore, Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter signed a proclamation designating July as “Park and Recreation Month.”

There will also be an art display highlighting parks and recreation moments on the first floor of City Hall through July 22.

Special deals include free boat trailer parking offered at the city’s public boat ramps the weekend of July 24 and 25, and Coral Oaks Golf Course will offer PGA Family Golf Month specials throughout July. A family of four can play a round of golf with carts for $60 and a child can get a free bucket of balls at the driving range with the purchase by an adult.

Dean said three new playgrounds have opened up through the city’s $60 Million Parks Master Plan, along with five parks that now have permanent cornhole courts.

The tennis courts at Jim Jeffers and Camelot parks have been converted where you can have four pickleball courts.

“We have things going on at the parks that people have not seen since the last time they were there,” Dean said. “We are always trying to improve the experience for our residents. We want to remind people of these great resources we have.”

See a Parks and Recreation Month activity calendar with dates, times and more information at www.CapeParks.com.