City of Derby News Release
Derby Named a "Playful City USA"
August 18, 2010
 Derby is one of 118 communities in the United States that has been designated as a 2010 Playful City USA by KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play.
One notable aspect of Derby’s commitment to play is the future expansion of playspaces. The City’s future plans as identified in a 2008 study include a dog park, river park, and expansion of the Hike & Bike Path system.
Playful City USA is a national recognition program honoring communities that prioritize play and ensure their children are healthy by providing activities and space for play. KaBOOM! inspires communities to build great places to play to make children healthier and happier. The organization’s vision is to have a place to play within walking distance for every child. Playful City USA communities serve as role models for other communities and prove that enhancing children’s well-being by increasing the opportunity for play is an attainable goal for every community.
“An extreme misconception exists in our country that play among children is a luxury when, in fact, it’s an absolute necessity,” said Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! CEO and Co-founder. “For decades, this notion dominated our actions and we continue to see the damaging results: a monumental lack of playspaces for children and sky-rocketing childhood obesity rates. Derby refused to adhere to the status quo and realized all children deserve a municipal commitment to the cause of play.”
The City is hosting a “play day” during the Summerfest event on August 28 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at High Park, 2700 E. Madison. This is a designated time that Derby offers both structured and unstructured play opportunities to children in our community. Summerfest is being organized by the Derby Community Coalition Promoting Healthy Choices.
For more information on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program visit the KaBOOM! website.
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