Miami Beach Launching '80s-Style Series of Events for National Park and Recreation Month

There's no denying that the '80s were awesome, and given Miami Beach's flair for neon colors and thong-style swimsuits, it's a decade that suits the city well. To celebrate National Parks and Recreation month, MB is embracing the age of Olivia Newton-John and head-to-toe spandex. Miami Beach has a lot...

By Hannah Sentenac

July 7, 2015

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There's no denying that the '80s were awesome, and given Miami Beach's flair for neon colors and thong-style swimsuits, it's a decade that suits the city well. To celebrate National Parks and Recreation month, MB is embracing the age of Olivia Newton-John and head-to-toe spandex.

Miami Beach has a lot planned this month, including a Doggie Luau on Sunday, July 12, featuring a doggie pool, a luau costume contest, a photo booth and more; an "Amazing Rec Trek" on Sunday, July 26, pitting participants against each other in different recreational challenges; senior karaoke on Thursday, July 28, with '80s tunes and a costume contest; and a Flash Back to the ‘80s Zumbathon, where instructor Fernando will lead attendees through a workout to themed tunes ('80s-style workout gear is encouraged).

"The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) leads the celebration of Park and Recreation Month across the nation," says Miami Beach Parks & Recreation Director, John Rebar. "This year they have selected the ‘80s-theme in honor of their 30 years of honoring parks and recreation in July. NRPA has invited all parks and recreation departments to be creative and add ‘80s throwback themed programming to their Parks and Recreation Month activities."

Most of the events will be free, and Miami Beach residents will even have free access to the Scott Rakow Youth Center and North Shore Park Youth Center all month in order to promote overall health and wellness across the city.

"During Park and Recreation Month, our goal is to promote the importance of parks and recreation in the community. From toddlers to senior citizens, parks and recreation serves as a place for fun, physical health and social function for all ages and abilities," adds Rebar.

"In Miami Beach, we encourage all residents to take part in this month’s free events and fitness opportunities. We are proud to have been serving the community with fitness and play for over 60 years."

For a full calendar of events, visit miamibeachfl.gov/parksandrecreation.

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