The City of Spartanburg is proud to announce it has again earned recognition from national non-profit KaBOOM! as a 2016 Playful City USA community for its efforts to increase play opportunities for children.
Spartanburg is one of fewer than 20 cities and towns across the country to earn the distinction every year since the program was created in 2007.
“Spartanburg is committed to the wellbeing of children and to building partnerships that create innovative programs that make play a priority,” said City Parks & Recreation Manager Kim Moultrie. “Our City Council and leaders from our schools and non-pro t organizations continue to prioritize our children’s health and their access to healthy and active opportunities.”
Spartanburg recently completed $2.5 million in improvements and enhancements to neighborhood playgrounds and parks citywide, and last year unveiled a new mobile play van. In addition, the City and partners such as the Mary Black Foundation and Partners for Active Living continue to work together to build new trails and provide other opportunities.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is critical to healthy brain development. It allows children to use their creativity while simultaneously developing imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. Yet today’s children spend less time playing outside than any previous generation in part because only 1-in-5 live within walking distance of a park or playground.
KaBOOM! created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments address the play de cit. For more informa- tion on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, visit kaboom.org.