Once again, Danville has been named Playful City USA, a designation it has held since 2007. With this year’s recognition, Danville is now the longest running honoree in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“We are committed to play,” said Danville Parks and Recreation Director Bill Sgrinia. “This is the ninth time we have received this distinction and we are one of only two cities in Virginia to make the list. We are very proud of that. This designation is a testament to the many organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to provide play opportunities to members of our community.”
Playful City USA is a recognition program that honors cities and towns that are taking action to ensure that kids in their communities, particularly kids from low-income families, get the balanced and active play they need to thrive.
“This designation is not about Parks and Recreation,” Sgrinia said. “This designation is about the community’s commitment to the health and wellness of its children.”
The Autism Awareness 5K, Danville Children’s Festival and Festival in the Park were three programs touted by KaBOOM!, the national non-profit organization behind Playful City USA.
“We are thrilled to recognize these communities that have invested their time and efforts to put kids first,” said KaBOOM! CEO James Siegal. “Balanced and active play is crucial to the well-being of kids and the communities that they thrive in. By integrating play into cities, the leaders of Playful Cities USA are working to attract and retain the thousands of families that want homes in close proximity to safe places to play.
Danville has been a Playful City USA honoree since 2007 and this year is one of 257 communities across the country to receive the distinction.
KaBOOM! is the national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids – particularly those growing up in poverty in America – the childhood they deserve filled with balanced and active play, so they can thrive. Since 1996, KaBOOM! has collaborated with partners to build, open or improve nearly 16,300 playgrounds, engaged more than one million volunteers and served 8.1 million kids.
KaBOOM! creates great places to play, inspires communities to promote and support play, and works to drive the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive lives. To learn why #playmatters: visit kaboom.org or join the conversation at twitter.com/kaboom or facebook.com/kaboom.