Plymouth Parks and Recreation launches an online gift card purchasing option for local recreational activities and rentals, providing a convenient, digital alternative to in-person purchases.

Austin's "Our Parks, Our Future" is a 10-year strategic plan by PARD to enhance green spaces through land acquisition, facility improvements, and new amenities until 2030, with public involvement in its development.

A zoo in Jacksonville closed due to a loose warthog during an event, causing an evacuation and shelter-in-place before guests left with police assistance.

San Diego's historic Botanical Building reopens in Balboa Park during the 47th December Nights festival, after a $30 million renovation. Mayor Todd Gloria attended the reopening.

Dallas City Park's Holiday Village event features festive activities, including photos with Santa, carolers, and an artisanal market. Entry is $5 for adults and $3 for kids, with the event taking place on December 7 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Arlington offers four free public skateparks with distinct features and styles for local skaters, which are open daily and cater to various skill levels.

Animal welfare advocates question the care of "Honey," a bear euthanized at Holtsville Ecology Center, amid allegations of mistreatment and calls for reform.

Cleary Lake Regional Park in Minnesota is hosting a Luminary Labyrinth on December 19 for a peaceful, illuminated evening walk, with refreshments and a bonfire. Attendance is free, but children under 11 require adult supervision.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board approved the Midtown Greenway Regional Trail Plan, detailing policy and design for adjacent parkland and future funding for trail enhancements.

Jesús Aguirre was appointed as Austin's Parks and Recreation Department Director, bringing over two decades of public service experience, including leadership roles in Seattle and Washington, D.C.'s parks systems.

The City of St. Louis Park shared a heartwarming story of Jonathan and his daughter Sarah enjoying nature together with the help of an all-terrain wheelchair at Westwood Hills Nature Center.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife warns that holiday decorations can entangle deer, urging residents to clean up and modify yard items to prevent wildlife distress.

The Cincinnati Zoo's PNC Festival of Lights won USA Today's "10 Best Zoo Lights" for the seventh year, featuring five million LEDs and new animal lanterns.