Have you heard the exciting news? Richmond was designated as a 2016 Playful City, USA! This designation was awarded to the city by KaBOOM, an organization dedicated to promoting play as a fundamental part of a healthy childhood, and is the result of a partnership between the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PCRF), the Capital Region Collaborative, and Active RVA a program of Sports Backers.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Playful City USA is a national recognition program that honors cities and towns across the country for taking bold steps to ensure that children in their communities, particularly kids from low income families, obtain the balanced and active play they need to thrive. Cities and towns, along with leaders from every sector working together, have the power to turn play spaces, and all spaces, into transformative theaters of activity, inspiration, and discovery.

Play is far more than just entertainment and leisure. It’s a fundamental component of a thriving community.

The City of Richmond was chosen as a Playful City, USA because of its dedication to a healthier community through its natural resources, partnerships, and innovative programs.

“This recognition is a great accomplishment as we continue to grow and highlight the abundant recreational opportunities available in Richmond. Playability adds to the quality of life for all members of our community, and especially families,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones.

With assets such as the James River Park System, PCRF’s CarMax Summer Basketball League, the ARCPark, and the Children’s Museum, Richmond’s opportunities for activity and play are better than ever.

“Play is far more than just entertainment and leisure. It’s a fundamental component of a thriving community,” said Ashley Hall, Manager of the Capital Region Collaborative. “In a playable environment, children’s creative adventures on the playground create a foundation for classroom learning. For adults and families, play creates connections, expands social networks, and helps to build stronger and safer neighborhoods. We’re proud to join the commitment to playability, which connects across our region’s eight priority areas – from education and quality place, to the James River and healthy communities.”