Although I am writing this on the very last day of spring, by the time you’re reading it, summer will be in full swing. And while the sentiment of the quote above—or of Nat King Cole’s English version of Hans Carste’s celebration of summer referenced in the headline of this letter—is pleasing, I’m willing to guess that most readers out there aren’t finding much time to lie on the grass and watch the clouds. I’d bet your summers tend more toward the crazy, just trying to keep all the balls in the air—and the hazy that ensues when immersed in such busy-ness.
A lot of our favorite recreational pastimes, and certainly a lot of youth sports, day camps, festivals, and more, might be thought of and planned throughout the year, but summer is all about execution. Swimming pools are hosting lessons for kids in the morning, and full of frolickers in the heat of the afternoon. Park shelters are hosting gatherings large and small. Pickleball courts are echoing with the now-familiar pop-pop-pop of friendly competition. Kids are kicking balls down soccer fields, or swinging bats and running bases. Independence Day celebrations are bringing communities together to “ooh” and “aah.” The list of summertime activities teems with fun and engaging events that connect communities in new ways.
But while you’re keeping everything going, I do hope you find a minute to stop and enjoy the fun yourself. We all have our favorite summer pastimes, and we should all get to take a moment to relish the lazy feel of a too-hazy-hot-to-do-anything-else day, before diving back into our crazy schedules.
Here’s to summer!
Cheers!
Emily Tipping
Editorial Director,
Recreation Management
[email protected]
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