Go Play! City of Delray Beach Named “Playful City USA” Community

The City of Delray Beach has recently been designated a “Playful City USA” community.  Only  93 communities across the nation have received this distinguished honor.  The City was selected for this award due to its dedication and creative commitment to “play.”  One of major projects that was cited in earning this honor was the City’s efforts to rebuild Miller Park, 1905 SW 4th Avenue, which is expected to be completed in May 2010.  This facility will be reconstructed to include a new Miracle League ball field to provide “special needs” children with an opportunity to “play” in a structured baseball league.

“We, as a City, are committed to creating a generation of children who are happier, healthier, and smarter through outdoor recreation while offering safe and quality play areas,” Delray Beach Mayor Nelson S. “Woodie” McDuffie said. “We also hope to increase awareness as to the benefits and availability of play in our community through this initiative.”

This community honor was awarded to the City of Delray Beach by KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.  Playful City USA communities, like Delray Beach, create best practices and serve as role models for other communities.

“Our country is facing two monumental deficits: a lack of unstructured play among children and a lack of resources to address this very issue,” said Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! CEO and Co-founder. “Delray Beach took a stand and determined that the future of their community??"their children??"deserve a commitment to the cause of play. This is an investment in the future.”

For additional information about the City’s Playful City USA designation and/or information about Miller Park, please contact Rodger Ribeiro, Parks and Recreation Department, at (561) 243-7256.

KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. Since 1995, KaBOOM! has used its innovative community-build model to bring together business and community interests to construct more than 1,600 new playgrounds, skateparks, sports fields and ice rinks across North America. KaBOOM! also offers a variety of resources, including an online community, free online trainings, grants, publications and the KaBOOM! National Campaign for Play, which includes Playful City USA and Playmakers ??" a national network of individual advocates for play. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., KaBOOM! also have offices in Chicago and San Mateo, Calif. For more information, visit www.kaboom.org.