Fort Wayne cares about play

Press release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:

Fort Wayne Cares About Play
Playful City USA Initiative Underway

(June 23, 2010) – Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll announced the Playful City USA initiative today at Lakeside Park, in conjunction with the kick-off of the Parks & Recreation Summer Playground Carnival season. Director Moll was joined by representatives from Turnstone Center, the League for the Blind & Disabled, Easter Seals Arc and the YMCA.

“A Play Task Force was created from a wonderful partnership of nonprofits, Parks & Recreation staff and civic-minded people who care about children,” said Moll. “Keeping kids moving is extremely important in establishing an early pattern of wellness, and unstructured play is vital to the development of healthy people. In light of this, we have put an emphasis on play for the City of Fort Wayne, and invite the public to join us.”

The Playful City USA initiative and Fort Wayne’s Play Task Force are associated with KaBOOM!, a national group advocating for a healthier generation of children. Last year, 93 cities in 33 states were recognized for their commitment to getting kids active through play. The major benefits of becoming a Playful City USA include raising children who are happier, smarter and healthier, increasing awareness of the benefits and availability of play in this community, national recognition for Fort Wayne and more grant opportunities.

“Providing our citizens, especially our children, with more opportunities for a healthy and active lifestyle is a goal of Mayor Henry’s administration and the Board of Park Commissioners, and we thank them for their support,” said Moll. “The Parks & Recreation Department will continue to provide safe activities for kids in the parks through our free Summer Playground Program. Our youth centers and 10 playgrounds offer supervised activity through August 6th.”

Playgrounds and their carnival dates are:

• Psi Ote Park, Wennonah Lane July 7, 5-7 pm
• Waynedale Park, Koons & Elzy July 14, 5-7 pm KaBOOM! Play Day
• Kettler Park, Belmont & Buell July 15, 5-7 pm
• Lafayette Park, Lafayette & Douglas July 21, 5-7 pm
• Hanna Homestead, Gay & Lewis July 28, 5-7 pm
• McCormick Park, Raymond & Holly July 29, 5-7 pm
• Memorial Park, Maumee & Glasgow August 6, 3-5 pm KaBOOM! Play Day

The Summer Playground Program began on June 14 and is open to boys and girls ages 5 and older at participating parks Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Children are invited to play sports like kickball, t-ball and basketball, make arts & crafts, and take part in the Kohl’s Healthy Kids fitness program. A free lunch is provided by Fort Wayne Community Schools. The FREE summer neighborhood carnivals feature carnival games, prizes, clowns, face painting and food.

The League for the Blind and Disabled will have also have a Play Day during their annual Block Party on August 28th, 1 – 5 pm in the parking lot where there office is located, 5821 S. Anthony Blvd. The League’s Block Party will include demonstrations by Science Central and The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Turnstone Flyers wheelchair basketball vs. Mad Ants, food, games and more.

For more information about Playful City USA or Summer Playgrounds, visit www.fortwayneparks.org.

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