for wildlife. That, in and of itself, is 
extremely important; but it also has great 
impact on the crime rate and offers a safe, 
inviting place to run, play, and socialize,” 
he continues. “We live in an age where 
people are searching for ways to be 
healthier and more active and fi nd relief 
from their stress, and our city’s parks and 
recreation programs provide that.”  

In addition to all the outdoorsiness of 

the city parks, Play Pensacola manages 11 
activity centers, two seasonal swimming 
pools, tennis centers, golf courses, 
playgrounds, sports fi elds, and basketball 

courts. There are no shortages of reasons 
to get out and play, and with more than 
200 activities and programs crowding 
the city’s calendar, playtime can really be 
anytime…and for anyone. “Pensacola is 
unique in the fact that we have 93 parks, 
which is unusual for a city of our size,” 
Cooper notes. “Because of that, most of 
our citizens can enjoy living near a park 
that’s clean, safe, and beautiful.”

Young or old, we all need our time 

and place to play. We all need a way 
to socialize and learn about the people 
around us and the community we call 

home; and by getting out there and 
jumping in, you’re creating a connection 
in a network far more interesting and far 
more alive than the touch screen of your 
social media page.

For more information on recreational 
facilities, activities, events, and services 
available in the City of Pensacola, 
contact The City of Pensacola Parks 
and Recreation offi ce at 222 West Main 
Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502 or call 
(850) 436-5670. To learn more online, 
visit www.playpensacola.com.

March 2017   |   65  

“We live in an age where people are searching 

for ways to be healthier and more active and 

find relief from their stress, and our city’s 

parks and recreation programs provide that.”

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