Rock Island Parks and Recreation encourages the community to participate in Unplug Illinois Day on Saturday, July 10, 2021.

Unplug Illinois is a statewide movement from Illinois Park and Recreation Association designed to get people to ditch their electronic devices--and plug in to fun and activities at their local park and recreation agencies. Unplug Illinois Day promotes parks as a place to play, and the value that parks and recreation bring in creating healthier communities.  

Unplug Illinois Day encourages people to get out, unplug, play and engage with one another through experiences at local park and recreation agencies. Whether a person is biking with friends on local trails, playing a sport, or taking a class, Illinois is home to thousands of park and recreation facilities that can help people live a happier and healthier life.

Rock Island Parks and Recreation will have Unplug Illinois signs located at select parks. Use these clues to find nine local parks to unplug and enjoy. Take a photo with the signs to post afterwards and tag “Rock Island Parks and Recreation” on social media. Get one entry per tagged post to be entered into a drawing for a prize.

“Our community is fortunate to have so many parks and opportunities to recreate,” says John Gripp, Director of Rock Island Parks and Recreation. “Whether you get some exercise on our trails, picnic in a park, play on a playground, ride the waterslides at Whitewater Junction, or enjoy a round of golf, we just urge everyone to unplug, get out and get some fresh air and exercise and feel renewed.” 

The benefits of unplugging from technologies drives people to plug in to community, plug in to activity and plug in to friends. Unplugging has been shown to help improve quality of life, help you feel more recharged every day, help you sleep better, and improve your interpersonal communication.

In 2021, Unplug Illinois will be featured on TV, radio and Internet around Illinois. Special events are planned also and can be found at www.unplugillinois.com. 

ABOUT IPRA 

The mission of the Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) is to provide and promote exceptional standards of education, networking and resources for all professionals in the Illinois park, recreation and conservation communities. IPRA is a national leader in providing education, networking, and resources for professionals in parks, recreation and conservation. For more information visit ilipra.org.

ABOUT UNPLUG ILLINOIS 

Unplug Illinois is a public service campaign designed to help park and recreation agencies communicate the value “unplugging” offers people and communities. Unplug Illinois encourages people to get out, unplug, play and engage one another through their local park and recreation agencies.

Email parkrecmail@rigov.org with questions or visit www.facebook.com/rockislandparksandrec/.