A national non-profit group has recognized three Iowa cities as “playful” communities.
A national group that promotes the importance of play during childhood has released a list of “Playful USA Communities” for the past six years. This year’s list includes the Iowa cities of Ankeny, Davenport and North Liberty.
Ankeny civic leaders were cited for expanding access to a baseball field and an “All-Inclusive Playground” — both designed kids with special needs. Davenport was praised for a mobile playground and a new mobile garden for children and families. North Liberty made the list for creating new green spaces in the community and planning a new trail system to connect all the city’s parks.
The three Iowa communities can now apply for “Let’s Play” grants of up to $30,000.
According to KaBOOM! — the organization that recognizes these “playful” U.S. cities — American children spend nearly eight hours a day in front of either a computer screen or a TV, while only one in five kids live within walking distance of a park.