Mayor Debbie Sullivan proclaimed July 2025 as National Parks and Recreation Month for the City of Tumwater during the July 1 council meeting; Councilmember Eileen Swartout read the proclamation on the council dais.

Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Denny accepted the proclamation and highlighted the department's summer calendar, focusing on the city's July 4 events. He said the parade begins at 11 a.m. and the Artesian Family Festival at Tumwater Valley Golf Course will run from 6 to 10 p.m. He noted the fireworks show is sponsored by the Nisqually Tribe and Red Wind Casino and described it as "the biggest show that anyone in our region will see at any time all year long." Denny estimated parade participation at about 5,000 to 8,000 people and said there are generally about 15,000 people on the driving range for the festival and fireworks.

Denny thanked Parks & Recreation staff and city departments that support the events, including police, fire, water resources, transportation and finance. Councilmembers and staff also recognized year-round Parks & Recreation programming, referenced summer camps and pointed council members to the city's Parks & Recreation web pages for registration and volunteer information.

The proclamation asks residents to recognize the benefits of parks and recreation and encourages the public to use the city website to learn about programs and volunteer opportunities.