July 13, 2009

Arlington Wins Again!
Playful City USA National Designation

Who: City of Arlington

What: Playful City USA designation

When: Announcement to be made at 10 a.m. Monday, July 13

Where: Dottie Lynn Recreation Center at Woodland West Park, 3200 Norwood Dr.

Why: To celebrate the designation and the national movement for the promotion and expansion of playful communities.

About the Award

Playful City USA was created in 2007 by KaBoom!, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to children. The organization envisions that every child in American should have a place to play within walking distance of the home. Arlington is one of 93 cities to earn the 2009 designation. Thirty-two of the 93 communities are repeat honorees, including Arlington who also won in 2008. According to a news release issued by KaBoom, 39 new communities have joined this year’s rankings. Learn more at www.kaboom.org.

About Arlington

Arlington has a variety of programs that positively impact childhood wellness, public safety and the quality of life. Naturally Fun Neighborhoods is among the newest programs created in 2008 as a series of free, outdoor events focused on bringing neighborhoods and residents together. Each event is a collaborative planning effort involving neighborhood associations, Texas Parks and Wildlife officials, city government agencies and non-profit organizations. A Naturally Fun Neighborhoods trailer was also developed as a mobile unit and supports the No Child Left Behind National Campaign.
The mobile unit takes recreational resources into neighborhoods where demographics indicate a lack of financial ability to access recreational programming.

“Our continued involvement in our youth ensures that the Arlington community will maintain this important distinction and continue to be a leading city for families and young people,” said Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck. “This is an investment in our future.”

Note to media: Excellent photo and video opportunities of 10 a.m. sign unveiling: “Now Entering Playful City USA – Arlington, TX.” Interview opportunities available with Mayor Robert Cluck and Parks and Recreation staff. Video billboards will also go up along I-30 near Cooper, I-20, SH 360 north of Lamar and SH 287 south of Eden Road.