Parks and recreation refers to municipal services providing parks, recreation facilities, and programming that support community health, wellness, and quality of life. Services include maintaining parks and trails, operating recreation centres, swimming pools, arenas, and sports fields, and offering programs ranging from children's activities to seniors' fitness. Parks and recreation departments balance facility operations, program delivery, and park maintenance within budget constraints. Recreation master plans guide long-term investment decisions. Provincial funding may support specific programs, while user fees, property taxes, and grants fund overall operations. Parks and recreation services are popular but represent significant municipal expenditure.