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The following is an Oro Valley press release.
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ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (May 1, 2012) - For the second year in a row, the Town of Oro Valley
has earned the “Playful City USA” designation from national non-profit KaBOOM! Presented by
The Humana Foundation, Playful City USA is a national program advocating for local policies that
increase play opportunities for children and is a key platform in combating the play deficit.
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.
“This designation is a great testimony to what is important to Oro Valley,” commented Ainsley
Legner, director of Oro Valley’s Parks Recreation Library & Cultural Resources Department.
“Making sure we have places nearby for our children to play and be active is a priority for our
citizens and the health of our community.”
Among its many “playful” qualities, the Town of Oro Valley maintains a joint use agreement with
the Amphitheater School District so school play spaces remain open to the public before and after
school hours. This helps to increase access to local parks without resulting in additional costs.
“Some of the most innovative concepts and cost-effective programs are being developed in
Playful City USA communities,” says Darell Hammond, Founder and CEO of KaBOOM! and
author of The New York Times Best Seller KaBOOM!: How One Man Built a Movement to Save
Play. “Cities like Oro Valley are key allies in the fight to combat the play deficit and serve as
outstanding role models for government and community leaders across the country.”
The 213 Playful City USA communities are now eligible for $15,000, $20,000 and $30,000 grants
via Let’s Play, a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group, to get kids and families
active nationwide. Grant recipients will be announced on June 4, 2012.
For more information on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, visit www.playfulcityusa.org.
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