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Mayor Rich Walker Calls on Parklanders to Celebrate Freedom and Community

by Guest Contributer July 1, 2026

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Parkland Mayor Rich Walker.

From Mayor Rich Walker:

Being 250 years old has its privileges.

As South Floridians, we should share a sense of pride about who we are, our variety of backgrounds, and how we have all come together over the decades and centuries to become the community we are today. We speak dozens of languages and represent countries across the world, but we are all South Floridians, and in Parkland, we are all Parklanders.

As you enjoy the slower pace of Summer, think about where you came from, who supported you, and why you are grateful to call America home. Get out and enjoy our natural resources – think about how lucky we are to be so close to the Everglades and the beach – our very own natural wonders that draw visitors from all over the world. Some call this a vacation spot. We call it home.

And speaking of vacation, try to incorporate some natural history into your time off this summer, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. It could be a trip to Yellowstone National Park or a lazy walk through Doris Davis Forman Wildlife Preserve, just a few steps away from your house. And as you responsibly celebrate the Fourth of July, think about what freedom means to you.

As we all celebrate America250 in our own ways, we do so as Parklanders, celebrating and appreciating each other, and enjoying our families. And while we are out there, remember to take care of yourselves in the elements, and make a mental checklist of the following:

Hurricane prep: Don’t take Hurricane prep for granted. Visit www.CityofParkland.org/344/Hurricane-Resources for several helpful checklists and links.
Stay Hydrated and protect your skin: Make sure to carry water with you when you are out and about and encourage children to drink fluids regularly. Make sure to wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when you are outside and reapply it every two hours.
Stay Safe in the Water: Always swim with a buddy and never leave children unattended near water. Make sure to follow posted signs and warnings.
Be Careful with Fireworks: Make sure to follow all safety instructions and only use fireworks in designated areas.

As you enjoy the summer, remember those who may need a helping hand. Look out for them and offer support when it is needed. In doing so, we are showing our Parkland Pride and ensuring that together, we can make this a positive summer – and 250th year – to remember.

If you would like to share your thoughts or if you have questions or comments you would like to share, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached via e-mail at rwalker@cityofparkland.org or via cell phone at (973) 390-1453. I am frequently available monthly at Parkland businesses and love to talk with residents there. I encourage you to visit the City’s website cityofparkland.org and click on the social media icon that you prefer, to ensure that you stay informed on events and helpful information.

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