Hopkins Receives ‘Playful City USA’ Designation

First Hopkins was named a “livable, walkable” community. Now it can lay claim to one more adjective: “Playful”

KaBOOM!—a national nonprofit that promotes play opportunities—selected to be one of 213 Playful City USA communities in 2012, the organization announced Tuesday.

The program honors cities and towns that make play a priority and work to keep children “active, playing and health,” according to the organization. To qualify, communities must map out play spaces, complete a needs assessment and demonstrate creative ways they promote play.

The winning communities are also encouraged to share ideas with other communities.

“Some of the most innovative concepts and cost-effective programs are being developed in Playful City USA communities,” a news release quoted Darell Hammond, founder and CEO of KaBOOM! and author of KaBOOM!: How One Man Built a Movement to Save Play. “They are key allies in the fight to combat the play deficit and serve as outstanding role models for government and community leaders across the country.”

Hopkins and other Playful City USA communities are now eligible for $15,000, $20,000 and $30,000 grants. Grant recipients will be announced June 4.

In addition to Hopkins, other winning Minnesota communities were Lanesboro, Moorhead, Oak Park Heights and Winona.

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