PIERRE, SD –Pierre is being honored with a 2016 Playful City USA designation for the fifth time in row. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the national recognition program honors cities and towns across the country for making their cities more playable.
Pierre’s commitment to developing active play opportunities through outdoor amenities like the Play Trail in northeast Pierre, the redevelopment of LaBarge Park, and summer programming that introduces children to area trails have helped Pierre continue to receive the Playful City USA designation.
Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill says that Pierre’s commitment to playability is making it a more desirable community.
“Playability adds a certain degree of energy and appeal to a community,” said Mayor Gill. “Our Parks and Recreation Department is working hard to enhance community allure, and this designation is proof that their work is paying off.”
Pierre is just one of three South Dakota cities to receive the designation this year.
“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.”
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.
To learn more about these cities, see the full list of the 257 communities named 2016 Playful City USA honorees, or to gather more information on the Playful City USA program, visit www.playfulcityusa.org. We also encourage you to take part in the conversation on #playability with these thought leaders on Twitter and Facebook.