Passaic Recognized As 2016 Playful City USA Community

PASSAIC, N.J. -- The City of Passaic is being honored with a 2016 Playful City USA designation. In its 10th year, the national recognition program honors cities and towns across the country for making their cities more playable.

Passaic Mayor Alex Blanco recognized the work of city staff in expanding recreation opportunities, in noting the honor.
Photo Credit: *Alex D. Blanco Facebook*

Rachel Martin

05/29/2016 4:00 a.m.

"Recreation and arts are the foundation of moving our community forward," said Passaic Mayor Alex Blanco. "I am proud of this designation and the hard work by the city’s business administrator and recreation superintendent as well as recreation staff and volunteers to expand and improve access to recreation for children and young adults."

Communities across the country are creating innovative ways to bring back play and attract residents through family friendly activities. Interactive sidewalk art, designated play spaces on trails and the transformation of schoolyards into active play areas are just a few examples of how cities are becoming more playful.

"We are thrilled to recognize these communities that have invested their time and efforts to put kids first," said KaBOOM! CEO James Siegal.

"Balanced and active play is crucial to the well-being of kids and the communities that they thrive in. By integrating play into cities, the leaders of Playful Cities USA are working to attract and retain the thousands of families that want homes in close proximity to safe places to play."

To learn more about these cities, see the full list of the 257 communities honored as 2016 Playful City USA, or for more information on the Playful City USA program, click here.

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