St. Mary’s Celebrates National Park and Recreation Month, Sunny Squirrel Invites Families To Disney’s Frozen

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County officially recognized July as National Park and Recreation Month during the July 14 meeting of the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, celebrating the department’s parks, museums, recreation programs, and the volunteers and employees who help make them possible. Commissioner Mike Alderson presented the proclamation before welcoming a special guest — Sunny Squirrel, the St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks mascot, who delighted commissioners by delivering tickets to this weekend’s Summerstock production of Disney’s Frozen.

Sunny Squirrel Brings A Little Disney Magic

Before reading the proclamation, Alderson shared a special invitation from Sunny Squirrel, encouraging residents to experience this year’s Summerstock production.

“It may be summer, but there’s a magical winter wonderland happening for this year’s Summerstock,” Alderson read. “Sunny Squirrel is excited to invite the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County and all county residents to come out to see this year’s Summerstock show.”

The Recreation & Parks Summerstock production of Disney’s Frozen, The Broadway Musical premieres this weekend at Great Mills High School.

Performances are scheduled for July 17-19 and July 24-26, with tickets available through the St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks website.

Described as “perfect for the entire family,” the production continues the department’s long-running Summerstock tradition, bringing Broadway-style productions to local audiences each summer.

Commissioners Proclaim July As National Park And Recreation Month

Alderson then presented the official proclamation declaring July 2026 as National Park and Recreation Month in St. Mary’s County.

The proclamation recognizes that parks and recreation programs enhance “the good health and well-being” of county residents by promoting physical activity, encouraging appreciation for the environment and supporting healthy, balanced lifestyles. It also highlights the wide variety of facilities and services offered through the Department of Recreation & Parks, including parks, museums, recreation centers, public landings, athletic facilities, youth and adult programs, and Wicomico Shores Golf Course.

The proclamation further commends Recreation & Parks staff, volunteers, youth sports leagues and community organizations for their continued dedication to providing successful programs throughout the county. It encourages residents to visit their local parks and recreation facilities throughout July and discover everything they have to offer.

‘It’s Really The People That Make The Places So Special’

Following the presentation, Recreation & Parks Director Ray Bivens accepted the proclamation on behalf of the department and thanked the commissioners while recognizing the many people behind the county’s recreation system.

“For those who don’t know me, I’m Ray Bivens, and I get the honor of serving as the director of Recreation and Parks,” Bivens said.

While acknowledging the county’s parks, museums and recreation facilities, Bivens said it is the people who make those places meaningful.

“We all know we have some fantastic places, programs, museums and other sites,” he said. “But it’s really the people that make the places so special.”

He praised the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time as youth sports coaches and community volunteers, along with the department’s hourly and full-time staff.

“It’s from the thousands of individuals throughout the county who volunteer and give their time as coaches and serve in other ways, our hourly employees, and then our full-time employees,” Bivens said.

He noted many Recreation & Parks employees were unable to attend the meeting because registration for swim lessons had opened that morning.

“But can we get this group here a big round of applause?” Bivens asked. “They do a great job.”

Staff Across Every Division Recognized

Bivens then introduced Recreation & Parks employees representing nearly every division of the department, including parks operations, athletics, museums, therapeutic recreation, youth camps, education, golf, marketing and volunteer services.

Among those recognized were Deputy Director Jessica Hale, Parks Operations Manager Marguerite Cardenuto, Museum Division Manager Karen Stone, Sports Program Coordinator Zachary Zalovick, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator Crystal Haislip, Museum Site Supervisors Christina Barbour and Kenneth Burke, Golf Course Manager Patrick Dugan, Parks Division Manager Roy Copsey, Youth & Camp Programs Coordinator Kelsey Jijon, Human Resources & Volunteer Coordinator Margaret Bowling, Marketing Specialist for Museums Andrew M. Ponti, Fiscal Specialist Valerie Hayden, Project Manager Christina Kaylor, Education Program Coordinator Olivia Flack, and numerous other Recreation & Parks employees.

The presentation concluded with Recreation & Parks staff gathering alongside Sunny Squirrel for a commemorative photo with the commissioners, celebrating National Park and Recreation Month while kicking off another busy season of recreational programming, cultural events and family activities throughout St. Mary’s County.

With Summerstock opening this weekend and parks, museums, camps and programs in full swing across the county, county officials encouraged residents to take advantage of the many opportunities Recreation & Parks offers during July and throughout the year.

Watch the full proclamation below at 4:24:

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