Playful City USA

Check out this awesome video from the brand new, community-built playground at Streamland Park in Playful City USA, Pico Rivera, CA! This is such a great community that is so dedicated to its children!

We just announced our list of 2012 Playful City USA communities. Help them celebrate by watching and sharing this video!

Cocoa, Florida is proud to be a Playful City USA community. You can see our post on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cocoa-FL/Cocoa-Florida/125152240842388, and on our web site at http://www.cocoafl.org.

Anyone know where the 5/1/12 webinar may be housed?
Thanks,
christy cornell

I am proud to be a Playful City USA, San Francisco, California native! Check out this incredible playground that just opened at Dolores Park, in the Mission District!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/03/31/playground01.DTL

Are you planning a play event this year?

Eileen Collins of Laurel, MD wrote and submitted a letter to the editor on the importance of play and all of the awesome play related activites taking place in Laurel -- 2011 Playful City USA community. Eileen has participated in several community build projects and initiated the application for Playful City USA designation for the City of Laurel. Read her letter to the editor below.

"Letter: As a community, we should prioritize play in our children's lives"

Play is all but absent in our children's over-programmed lives, as Marco della Cava notes in his story, "Calendar Is Blank on May 22." Free time needs to come back into our kids' lives, and it needs to happen now.

There is a nationwide scarcity of play, and we are beginning to see a stark difference between children who play and children who don't.

Kids who play are healthier. Kids who play are less likely to be obese and develop obesity-related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

Kids who play do better in school. Kids who play develop the cognitive skills that are positively linked to learning and academic performance.

Kids who play, play well as adults. Kids who play build their confidence and learn the social skills that help them become happy, well-adjusted adults.

Continue reading here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/howard/opinion-talk/letter-editor/ph-ll-letters-collins-20120229%2c0%2c3555887.story

Check out this amazing accessible playground that will be built in Hickory, North Carolina. Hickory is a KaBOOM! Playful City USA and was recently awarded a Let’s Play City Construction Grant, which will be used toward this new community-built playspace.

http://www.playgroundforzahra.org/playground.html

The playground will be built in honor of the late Zahra Baker, a 10-year old member of the Hickory community. Their incredible playground design will ensure that children of all abilities can access and play on all areas of the playspace and play together with all of their friends. The final design features ramped access to the structure, ground level panels, low level activities, accessible swings, and a swaying seesaw for youth of all abilities, called an AeroGlider.

This playground will be the result of a spectacular community effort, where many community members will contribute through financial donations, donation of resources, and volunteering during the construction of the structure. According to the project website, “the original goal was to raise $85,000 to build an all-children’s playground, and thanks to the generosity from the community, businesses, foundations, and grants, more than $170,000 has been raised.”
Hickory’s playground is an excellent effort of what can be achieved through community efforts and dedication to the cause of play for all members of their community. It will be great to see everyone playing together once this is completed in the spring of 2012!

Congratulations to the City of Kissimmee on their Playful City USA recognition. Enjoy these beautiful photos from their Play Day!

The City of Kissimmee held it's first "Play Day" associated with our first year being a 'Playful City USA'! Our Play Day was in held with our Fall Festival 2011. We joined forces with our Osceola County Historical Society and ran our event with their Pioneer Days event. It was held out at a Regional Park that the City owns and manages with the County. We planned activities at both locations and had buses circling all day to take people to all locations. We had our event in one park, the Historical Society held their event in their park and both parks were connected by roads and also by the creek. We had canoe tours back and forth to both locations as well as trail hike back and forth with tour guides along the way. We had bounce houses and other inflatables, games throughout the day like a huge pie eating contest, raffles, entertainment and food for everyone! Overall, this event was a huge success because of our partnership with the County to provide a day filled with activities at all of the locations along the creek. This Play Day was fun for lost of our citizens and we have formed a stronger relationship with outside groups. Now the community is educated on this new regional park as well as had lots of fun the entire day!!!!

The Town of Gypsum, Colorado made this fantastic video to show the playfulness of the community.

Watch an awesome example of the reading of a Playful City USA Proclamation from Mayor Carson in Coral Gables, Florida.

On a scale of 1–10 how playful is New Port Richey, Florida? 221. That's because 221 students from Longleaf Elementary School in New Port Richey set the Guinness World Record for the Largest Hula Hoop Workout. The kids danced for a minute and 44 seconds.

(Photos from MSNBC and RTE.)

See Picture 1 larger. | See Picture 2 larger.

To celebrate its Playful City USA recognition Mount Holly, North Carolina created these festive lamp post banners!

Bring on Play (BOP) is a volunteer committee that supports York City Park and Recreation. To date we have renovated 3 parks and are working on our 4th for Sept 2012. We host special events such as Plaza Palooza, a family event that takes place Sundays 11 am - 3 pm Oct - Dec at Sovereign Stadium. Each week has a fun theme and special activities such as a synthetic ice rink, Imagination Playground, inflatables, crafts, games and more! York PA IS a Playful City!

Thanks to a Spruce Grant through KaBOOM!, Coventry CT Parks & Recreation were able to hold a "Good Clean Fun" Playscape Clean Up in conjunction with our Pumpkin Play Day on Saturday, October 8th! New mulch was spread, and all equipment was cleaned and disinfected. A BIG Thank You to KaBOOM! for the opportunity, and to our volunteers who helped that day!

First time Playful City USA community West Park, Florida celebrated the city's designation. West Park is one of 20 Florida communities to receive the designation. Mayor Jones commented on the designation:

“As a City, we are honored to be listed among those that participate in making play for our children a priority, and providing the adequate space to facilitate the necessary activities. In the past, children often heard the phrase, ‘Go play outside.’ Their parents and caretakers knew that youngsters could burn off excess energy and improve strength and coordination, when they enjoyed healthy play. But, the attraction of video games and computer games along with the highly regimented lives that many modern children lead means they sometimes don’t spend enough time actively playing. I believe that active play is important for the proper development of several aspects of a child’s life and we, the Commissioners and staff in the City of West Park, are proud to be selected as one of the “2011 Playful City USA” communities through KaBOOM!”

Read the story here: http://www.communitynewspapers.com/west-park-news/west-park-receives-%e2%80%98playful-city-usa%e2%80%99-designation/

Mississippi Making Progress--Town of Starkville's Board of Alderman and City School Board both passed shared use agreements last evening. Looking forward to future playspace collaborations.

The celebration for the 2011 Playful City USA communities continue to roll in. Cities and towns from around the country are featured in local newspapers and television stations highlighting their recognition while also emphasizing the importance of having a great place to play. Check out these stories from across the country.

Glendora, CA:
“On behalf of the City Council we are very pleased for the recognition and validation that Glendora is a wonderful place to play, work and live,” said Mayor Doug Tessitor. “We are honored to have been recognized for our continued commitment to play,” said Community Services Director La Shawn Butler. “We continually look for new ways to provide quality play opportunities for our youth such as the new play equipment at Ole Hammer and Willow Springs parks”. We thank KaBOOM! for its support of children, playgrounds and free play.”
Continue reading: http://www.ci.glendora.ca.us/index.aspx?page=23&recordid=645&returnURL=%2findex.aspx

DeRidder, LA:
With only 1-in-5 children in the U.S. currently living within walking distance of a park or playground, 151 cities and towns, including DeRidder, earned recognition from national non-profit KaBOOM! as 2011 Playful City USA communities for their efforts to increase play opportunities for children.
Continue reading here: http://www.beauregarddailynews.net/news/x462624359/DeRidder-named-a-Playful-City-USA

Arlington, TX posted an awesome Playful City USA video on Youtube. Check-it out here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5UNQ1M5YzI

McAllen, TX:
At a time when 82 percent of parents believe children do not spend enough time outside, the City of McAllen is being recognized for taking an innovative approach to make play a priority for the health and well-being of children. McAllen is among 151 cities and towns named as a 2011 Playful City USA community by KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization dedicated to bringing play back into the lives of children.
Read more about McAllen, TX: http://www.mcallen.net/news/default/2011-09-06/kaboom_names_mcallen_among_playful_city_usa_communities.aspx

Tucson, AZ and Oro Valley, AZ are featured on their local news for being recognzied a 2011 Playful City USA community. Watch the video: http://www.kold.com/story/15409738/tucson-and-oro-valley-among-151-playful-city-usa-communities

Chandler, Arizona celebrates Playful City USA recognition. Learn more about Chandler and why this community was selected for the fifth consecutive year as a Playful City USA community.

The combination of outstanding parks and facilities, innovative programs and residents who enjoy spending time outdoors helped Chandler get named to the "Playful City USA" list for the fifth year in a row.

Chandler is one of 19 cities to have earned the designation for the fifth year in a row and one of 151 cities nationwide to make the list. The Playful City USA list is compiled by the non-profit organization, KaBOOM!, which is dedicated to trying to bring play back into children's lives. Cities that earn the distinction are evaluated on criteria that demonstrate a community's commitment to increasing play opportunities for children.

"Being named a Playful City USA community is a tremendous honor and a testament to the people and organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of our children," Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny said. "Earning this recognition for five straight years shows that we understand the importance of growing up in a healthy and caring environment surrounded by plenty of recreational opportunities."

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/chandler/articles/2011/09/09/20110909chandler-playful-city0909.html#ixzz1XjzMMHs4

The City of Phoenix, Arizona is a five time Playful City USA community. A member of the founding cities for the program, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon underscores the importance of ensuring kids have great places to play.

Hundreds of city parks, recreation facilities and other spaces to play have earned the City of Phoenix Playful City USA honors for 2011 from KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to encouraging cities to devote time, energy and resources to creating play opportunities for kids.

This is the fifth year in a row that Phoenix has earned the designation. To earn the award, each Playful City USA community must demonstrate creative commitments to the cause of play in the areas of quantity, quality and access.

"As the dad of a young boy, I know exactly how much play means to kids," said Mayor Phil Gordon. "Play not only inspires young boys and girls, but it gives them an outlet to be creative. I'm proud that Kaboom! has again recognized Phoenix for leading the way when it comes to play and play spaces."

Continue reading: http://phoenix.gov/news/090811playfulcity.html

Fort Wayne is being recognized for our efforts in making play a priority for the health and well-being of our children. When the national picture reveals only 1-in-5 children currently live within walking distance of a park or playground, Fort Wayne is one of 151 cities named a 2011 Playful City USA Community by the national non-profit organization, KaBOOM!

Fort Wayne, Indiana Mayor Celebrates Playful City USA recognition

Fort Wayne earned this distinction for the second year due to our outstanding dedication to increasing play opportunities for children.

“Our parks and playgrounds bring us a quality of life that those of us with children and grandchildren especially appreciate,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “It is an honor for our city to once again be recognized for the vast array of recreational activities that our community has to offer. We go to great lengths to ensure that they have access to parks, playgrounds and other recreation areas that provide them opportunities to stay fit, healthy and ready to learn.”

Continue reading here: http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/latest-news/2088-mayor-celebrates-city-being-named-qplayful-city-usaq-for-second-time.html

Yuma, Arizona is proud to be a Playful City USA community for the fifth year in a row.
Director of Parks and Recreation Becky Chavez said “even though we believe most of Yuma understands and appreciates the quality of our programs and facilities and how valuable Yuma Parks and Recreation is to the community, it's great to be recognized nationally, to know that we are on par with other great parks and recreation departments across the country.”

Read more: http://www.yumasun.com/articles/city-72760-yuma-play.html#ixzz1XItLaKuo

Murray, Kentucky is another awesome Playful City USA community. Pat Murray leads the Continuing Education Committee and the submission of the city's Playful City USA application. Learn more about Murray in this inspiring story:

Murray has again been chosen one of the top communities in the nation for providing recreational facilities and programs for children and among only three cities in Kentucky awarded for 2011.

Pat Harrington, a member of the city’s Continuing Education Committee which applied for the award, said Tuesday that the city has been named among 151 U.S. communities for Playful City USA honors.

Only Campbellsville and Pikeville in Kentucky were similarly honored with the title by KaBOOM, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing play back into childrens’ lives.

“ This will be the fourth time that we have received it,” Harrington said.

Playful City USA is a national recognition program honoring cities and towns that make recreational activities for children a priority and use innovative programs to get children active, playing, and healthy.

Murray was chosen among cities in 38 states and one U.S. territory for the honor.

Harrington said Gov. Steve Beshear has been invited to Murray to make the announcement official.

Continue reading: http://murrayledger.com/news/murray-again-chosen-as-recipient-of-national-playful-city-usa/article_135ee63e-d97b-11e0-82ff-001cc4c002e0.html

Ankeny, IA is a founding city of the Playful City USA program and we are excited to recognize this community for the fifth consecutive year. Congratulations! Learn more about Ankeny:

Play is serious business for the city of Ankeny and for the fifth year in a row, the hard work has paid off.

Ankeny recently learned it was named a 2011 Playful City USA. The distinction is given by the KaBOOM! Foundation and is a nationally recognized program honoring cities and towns across the country that show a commitment to helping residents lead healthier, more productive lives through recreation and play.

Ankeny is among 151 cities in the United States receiving the honor, said a press release issued today by the city. Davenport is the only other Iowa city with a Playful City USA designation.

“The Ankeny community is extremely proud to be designated a Playful City USA community for the fifth consecutive year,” said Ankeny Mayor Steve Van Oort in the release. “Ensuring access to play spaces for people of all ages is fundamental to building a strong and sustainable community. “

Read the entire story here: http://ankeny.patch.com/articles/ankeny-and-play-go-together-for-a-fifth-consecutive-year

Kerman, CA is considered one of the most “Playful Cities in the US.” It’s one of 151 cities chosen from across the nation. KaBoom, a non-profit organization, puts together the list every year; based on the amount of playgrounds and parks within walking distance of resident’s homes.

“There are all kinds of benefits with play. Obesity is a big problem in the US; we try to put parks in access of the community to get kids outside to play,” says Kerman’s Recreation Coordinator Mark Salvador.

Continue to read more about Kerman and the accompanying video highlighting Kerman's Parks and Recreation Department: http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/Playful-Kerman---CLU-129332163.html

The Colony, Texas is excited for the Playful City USA recognition and to be among the 151 recognized communities. Learn more about The Colony and why this community made the list:

Fresh off being named one of the nation's top 100 mid-sized cities, The Colony now joins another select group of cities credited for promoting active lifestyles in its residents.

As announced at the city council meeting on Tuesday, The Colony has been designated a "Playful City USA" by national non-profit KaBOOM! Including The Colony, only 151 cities in the nation and nine in Texas have been awarded the recognition.

According to a release from the city, Playful Cities earn the designation by "making play a priority" in the community and by embracing KaBOOM!'s "play deficit" platform centered around promoting active, healthy lifestyles, particularly in children.

"We are excited to be one of only nine cities in the State of Texas that was chosen to receive this honor," Community Services Director Pam Nelson said in the release. "The Playful City USA designation reflects the value and commitment our city leadership places on ensuring multiple opportunities for active lifestyles exist in our city. A playful community is a healthy community, and we want people to know that The Colony is one of the best places in the country in which to live, work and play."

Continue reading: http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2011/09/06/the_colony_courier-leader/news/9832.txt

The Colony, Texas is excited for the Playful City USA recognition and to be among the 151 recognized communities. Learn more about The Colony and why this community made the list:

Fresh off being named one of the nation's top 100 mid-sized cities, The Colony now joins another select group of cities credited for promoting active lifestyles in its residents.

As announced at the city council meeting on Tuesday, The Colony has been designated a "Playful City USA" by national non-profit KaBOOM! Including The Colony, only 151 cities in the nation and nine in Texas have been awarded the recognition.

According to a release from the city, Playful Cities earn the designation by "making play a priority" in the community and by embracing KaBOOM!'s "play deficit" platform centered around promoting active, healthy lifestyles, particularly in children.

"We are excited to be one of only nine cities in the State of Texas that was chosen to receive this honor," Community Services Director Pam Nelson said in the release. "The Playful City USA designation reflects the value and commitment our city leadership places on ensuring multiple opportunities for active lifestyles exist in our city. A playful community is a healthy community, and we want people to know that The Colony is one of the best places in the country in which to live, work and play."

Continue reading: http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2011/09/06/the_colony_courier-leader/news/9832.txt

The people of Petal have a good reason to play in the city's parks.

The city was just named a "Playful City USA" community by the national nonprofit KaBOOM! Playful City USA program.

The program highlights communities for their efforts to increase play opportunities for children.

The designation puts the city in the running for a $25,000 grant that Recreation Department Director Tom Hardges said will be used for expanding activities offered to kids.

"I think it says a lot because it gives us the opportunity to establish a lot of activities for our kids in the community to get out and play," he said. "These are things we probably wouldn't be able to do with budget problems."

Continue reading here: http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110907/NEWS01/109070321

Savannah, GA makes the Playful City USA list for a second year. The City of Savannah has been named a 2011 Playful City USA for its efforts to increase play opportunities for children and its outstanding dedication to play.

For the second straight year, Savannah was selected as one of 151 Playful Cities in the United States by the national nonprofit organization KaBOOM! Savannah maintains 57 playgrounds, 661 acres of parks, nine public swimming pools and 14 community centers. Savannah also encourages play to be a part of neighborhood and business development plans.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is important to healthy brain development and allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Today’s children spend less time playing outside than any previous generations in part because only 20 percent live within walking distance

Continue reading: http://www.thecoastalsource.com/news/local/story/City-of-Savannah-is-Playful-City/nGF_mpPSW0q2MQkwEsCJyg.cspx?rss=1669