A proclamation was passed declaring July “parks and recreation month” at the June 24 Westminster city council meeting. The city’s participation is part of the nationwide celebration focused on honoring the impacts of parks, recreation and libraries in communities across the United States.

For Westminster residents, it’s clear parks and recreation are two very important aspects needed to the quality of life sought while living in Westminster.

According to a recent survey conducted by the city, 87 percent of respondents believe that protecting the natural environment, creating a beautiful community, providing green natural spaces, trails and paths as well as providing opportunities to support physical wellness are all very important purposes of parks and recreation.

“Parks and recreation are high priorities for people in Westminster, and I think that’s a big reason why people choose to live and raise their family here,” said Don Tripp, Westminster’s parks, recreation, and libraries director. “People are highly interested in the trail system and access to open space.”

The survey was conducted by an outside agency and was sent to 3,000 residents in April with an overall response rate of 22 percent.

Tripp said the survey is meant to help the city prioritize for the future to ensure the city is providing what residents need and want in terms of parks, reaction and libraries.

“Because residents rated parks and recreation high in the survey, it’s important for us to keep our trails, open space areas and parks up to par,” Tripp said.

“For the next seven to 10 years we are really focusing on the properties we already have acquired and working to keep them fun and safe as well as meet people’s needs in terms of wellness.”

Westminster residents are also served by the Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District, the first park and recreation district formed in Colorado in 1955. It serves more than 110,000 residents in the north metro.

Hyland Hills communications director Joann Cortez said the mission of the district is to provide the best possible service to the community through a variety of programming, facilities, parks and open space areas. Home to Water World, Adventure Golf & Raceway, The Ice Centre at the Promenade, golf course and other community centers, Cortez said the money made from those facilities are the backbone for the funding for the rest of the district.

“We have a strong philosophy to work closely with our foundation so that no child is turned away from a program because the child can’t afford to participate,” she said. “We are in the business of making memories, and we take pride in our facilities. We work hard to keep them affordable for families, so that families can get the most value out of their entertainment dollars and have a great time at the same time.”