Fort Atkinson Council approves July as Parks and Recreation Month recognition

During the Fort Atkinson City Council meeting on July 1, 2025, a significant focus was placed on recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month. City Manager Hausman highlighted the importance of this observance, which has been celebrated in the United States since 1985. The initiative aims to promote the value of parks and recreation in fostering strong, vibrant communities.

Hausman emphasized the contributions of over 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals, along with numerous part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers, who play a crucial role in maintaining local, state, and community parks. The services provided by these professionals are vital for community well-being, addressing issues such as open space preservation and public health, including combating obesity through accessible recreational activities.

The council unanimously approved the proclamation to recognize July as Parks and Recreation Month, which is expected to have no financial impact. This decision aims to raise awareness about the programming available in Fort Atkinson and to express appreciation for the dedicated staff of the Parks and Recreation Department, including Director Ben Dayton and his team.

Following this proclamation, the meeting transitioned to a presentation on the City of Fort Atkinson's lead service line replacement program, led by Public Works Director Nathan. This program is likely to address critical infrastructure concerns, although specific details were not discussed in the provided transcript.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing community health and engagement through its parks and recreation initiatives, while also addressing infrastructure needs in the coming discussions.