Quotes

“Creating more and better playspaces is something that is very important to us. Research shows that recreation improves a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Quality playspaces make recreation more fun. The more fun recreation is, the more likely it is that our citizens will engage it, leading up to a healthier, happier community. The Playful City USA program is the most distinguished program recognizing quality environments for recreation in the country. We feel validated in our efforts that they continue to recognize this community.”

—Mayor Parker Wiseman
Starkville, Mississippi

“I along with the entire City Council are very proud of our parks and recreation staff and pleased to receive this recognition. We partner with our schools and other community organizations to encourage our children to get outdoors. Our parks, with all their amenities, offer many opportunities for our families to come out and be active. Alvin truly is a Playful City USA.”

—Mayor Gary Appelt
Alvin, Texas

“As a city we are honored to receive this designation and proud of the work our community is doing to fight the play deficit. The Playful City USA designation will work as a catalyst as we continue to develop programs and initiatives to increase access to recreational opportunities for the youth of our community.”

—Mayor William A. Flanagan
Fall River, Massachusetts

“Santa Fe Springs has long been known as the City of Parks, and now we are proud to add the moniker of Playful City USA. Creating and maintaining a healthy community is one of our top priorities. The city goes to great lengths to ensure that the children of our community have access to parks, playgrounds, and other recreation areas, which provides them opportunities to stay fit, healthy, and ready to learn.”

—Mayor Bill Rounds
Santa Fe Springs, California

“We’re proud to be recognized for our dedication to healthy play and physical activity. We are committed to increasing the quantity and quality of play in Sunrise for the benefit of all our residents.”

—Mayor Michael J. Ryan
Sunrise, Florida

“We are excited to be recognized for our efforts to provide opportunities for the Durham community to play more. This is a great indication that we are on the right track and that our efforts are working.”

—Mayor Bill Bell
Durham, North Carolina Mississippi

“KaBOOM! is a leader in preaching the message that play is an important part of the development of our youth and for the continued health of adults. I am proud that our city, communities, and schools joined together to promote the importance of play for all ages.”

—Mayor Craig A. Moe
Laurel, Maryland

“We’re very proud in Lakewood of our wonderful parks and recreational opportunities. It’s an honor to be recognized by KaBOOM! for our city’s efforts to provide top quality play opportunities for children.”

—Mayor Diane DuBois
Lakewood, California

“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... 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!.”

—Mayor Eric Jones
West Park, Florida

"Play is essential in the life of a child and playspaces help to ensure all of our children develop physically, mentally, and socially. The Playful City USA honor highlights York's efforts to advocate for play throughout our city."

—Mayor C. Kim Bracey
York, Pennsylvania

“Our great parks and playgrounds provide opportunities for families and children to play right in their own neighborhoods. It’s an honor for our city to be named a Playful City USA for the third consecutive year. We continue to go to great lengths to ensure that our residents have access to parks, playgrounds, trails and other recreation areas that enhance our community’s health and quality of life.”

—Mayor Tom Henry
Fort Wayne, Indiana

“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. 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.”

—Mayor Jay Tibshraeny
Chandler, Arizona

“We are extremely proud that Ankeny has once again been honored by KaBOOM!. It is through community partnerships and innovative practices that we continue our effort to create play spaces within walking distance of every child. This designation recognizes our commitment to Ankeny’s children and to citizens of all ages.”

—Mayor Steve Van Oort
Ankeny, Iowa

“We have many young families in West Fargo that want their children to grow up the best they can be. One of the ways is to increase play opportunities for children. As a city, we realize how important it is that children have a place to play to stay active and healthy.”

—Mayor Rich Mattern
West Fargo, North Dakota

“We are proud to be named a Playful City USA, because the title represents our commitment to providing a family-friendly atmosphere with services and amenities that encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for our children and all of our residents...”  

—Mayor John Lewis
Gilbert, Arizona

"I am very proud that Miami Lakes has been recognized for our efforts to provide our Town's children with the best quality of life possible. The Playful City USA designation is a symbol of the efforts of our entire Community to make our children one of our greatest priorities."

—Mayor Michael Pizzi
Miami Lakes, Florida