National non-profit KaBOOM! is honoring the City of Maricopa with a 2017 Playful City USA designation for the fourth time. Playful City USA honors cities and towns across the country for putting the needs of families first so kids can learn, grow and develop important life skills.

“From state-of-the-art recreation facilities, to our annual events such as the Mud Run and Copa Color Run, to hundreds of organized teams for youth and adult sports the City of Maricopa offers our residents endless opportunities to play,” said Mayor Christian Price. “We are honored to be named a Playful City USA for a fourth year. Play is a great way for our residents to connect with one another and participate in physical activity; creating a stronger and healthier Maricopa.”

As cities are becoming hotbeds for innovation, communities across the country are creating inventive ways to attract and retain residents. Playful City USA honorees are taking bold action to ensure kids have great places to play – all with the ultimate goal of making play the easy choice for all kids, no matter where they live. In addition to the playground down the street, Playful City USA communities are turning grocery stores, vacant lots, crosswalks and sidewalks into opportunities for play.

“We are thrilled to recognize the City of Maricopa for putting kids first,” said KaBOOM! CEO James Siegal. “The well-being of our communities starts with the well-being of our kids, and play is critical for them to thrive. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all kids get the childhood they deserve filled with play.”

To see the full list of Playful City USA communities and to learn more about making play the easy choice for kids, visit kaboom.org/playfulcityusa. You can also take part in the conversation with leaders across the country using #PLAYceforkids on Twitter and Facebook.

– See more at: http://www.maricopa-az.gov/web/communityservices-home/2691-maricopa-honored-as-2017-playful-city-usa-community#sthash.Q14Jn2NF.dpuf