{"id":40946,"date":"2014-05-21T14:00:52","date_gmt":"2014-05-21T18:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=40946"},"modified":"2020-12-26T18:31:01","modified_gmt":"2020-12-26T23:31:01","slug":"mayor-celebrates-city-named-playful-city-usa-fifth-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2014\/05\/21\/mayor-celebrates-city-named-playful-city-usa-fifth-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Mayor celebrates City being named “Playful City USA” for fifth time"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Fort<\/p>\n

News release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:<\/p>\n

Mayor celebrates City being named “Playful City USA” for fifth time<\/strong><\/p>\n

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(May 20, 2014) – Fort Wayne is being recognized for its efforts to make it easy for children to get balanced and active play in their daily lives, a priority for their health and well-being. Fort Wayne is the largest city in Indiana to achieve the “Playful City USA” designation with only four Hoosier cities qualifying. Nationwide, 212 cities were named a 2014 Playful City USA Community by the non-profit organization, KaBOOM!<\/p>\n

“We continue to see unprecedented positive momentum in our City,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Having an excellent quality of life in our community is a direct result of the world-class parks system that we enjoy in Fort Wayne. We’re honored to be named a Playful City USA as we lead the way in providing exercise and recreational opportunities for children and families.”<\/p>\n

Today’s generation of children play less than any previous generation despite the vast benefits of play. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that play is essential to the social, emotional, cognitive and physical well-being of children.<\/p>\n

KaBOOM!, the national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play, created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments address the Play Deficit by ensuring their children have the time and space they need to play.<\/p>\n

“This year we’ve focused on creating our first indoor accessible playground at the McMillen Park Community Center,” said Director Al Moll. “The working group continues to grow as it makes great strides with its mission, and includes Parks & Recreation staff, Turnstone, the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, McMillen Center for Health Education, FWCS, the Fort Wayne Volunteer Center and community play advocates. We appreciate the input from all of our partners!”<\/p>\n

KaBOOM! Play Days are held each summer at various locations and welcome families to come out for food, fun and games. This year they are:<\/p>\n