Playful City USA

Posted by on March 14, 2011

$2.1 Million in Grants Available through Playful City USA Program

With more than one-third of children overweight or obese and only one in five children living within walking distance of a park or playground according to the Centers for Disease Control, cities and towns across the country are re-evaluating the importance of an often-overlooked factor in quality of life: play.  National nonprofit KaBOOM! is now offering 103 play-related grants totaling $2.1 million between 2011-13 through Playful City USA, a national recognition program honoring cities and towns that make play a priority and use innovative new programs to get children playing outdoors.

In 2010, 118 communities in 36 different states earned Playful City USA recognition, ranging in size from a few thousand to millions. These Playful City USA communities are making a commitment to play and physical activity by developing unique local action plans to increase the quantity and quality of play in their community. In doing so, some of the most innovative ideas and cost-effective programs are being developed in Playful City USA communities – proving that parks and play are more important than ever.  More information about Playful City USA and an application can be found at http://www.kaboom.org/playfulcityusa. Applications for 2011 Playful City USA status and available grants are due June 1. The Playful City USA grants are part of Let’s Play, a community partnership led by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group to get kids active nationwide.