Rock Island Parks and Recreation encourages the community to participate in Unplug Illinois Day on Saturday, July 11, 2020.

Unplug Illinois is a statewide movement from Illinois Park and Recreation Association designed to get people to “unplug” from electronic devices--and plug in to active play opportunities at park and recreation agencies across Illinois.

Unplug Illinois promotes healthier lifestyles, sustainable environments, thriving economies and engaged communities. The campaign also promotes the benefits of parks to making communities stronger.

Rock Island Parks and Recreation will offer free pop-ups in the park on July 11th. Participants visiting Longview Park from 10:00 am to 11:30 am will get to play with bubbles, get creative with sidewalk chalk, do an art activity, and listen to music. Visitors to Eleanor Wallace Dog Park between 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm, can bring their four-legged friends for bubble fun, tennis balls for the first 50, dog treats and music. Golfers can make a tee-time to hit the links at Saukie Golf Course using the Unplug Illinois- 2 for $40 special after 1:00 pm. A free Drive-in movie will also be held at the Rock Island Sports Complex featuring Dolittle, for families to enjoy together.  

“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, enjoy a round of golf, or visit one of our events, 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 2020, 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/.