Sept. 5, 2008

Contact: Richard Symchak – 837-8032

TUCSON AMONG 67 MUNICIPALITIES CITED AS “2008 PLAYFUL CITY”

Tucson is among 67 municipalities across the country and 6 in Arizona recently designated as a Playful City for 2008.

The City’s commitment to increase opportunities for play in the community through its pilot school park program was cited as an innovative achievement by the program’s sponsor, KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

In May 2008 Tucson Parks and Recreation launched a pilot program to open 12 school park sites during summer vacation, after school hours and on weekends as part of a partnership with Tucson Unified School District.

The pilot program is being monitored, and an evaluation of its success and associated costs will determine when additional school sites might be opened as public parks.

As a second-year Playful City designee, a representative from Mayor Bob Walkup’s office will join other designated cities at this month’s KaBOOM! Playful City USA Founding Forum in Washington D.C. to develop approaches to make play a priority for children.

Other Playful Cities in Arizona include Phoenix, Chandler, Coolidge, Gilbert and Yuma.