Encinitas Recognized as a 2012 ‘Playful City USA’ Community

Editor’s Note: The following news release is from the City of Encinitas. 

For the fifth consecutive year, the City of Encinitas has been named a 2012 “Playful City USA” Community by national nonprofit KaBOOM!. It is one of only 213 cities in the nation, one of 24 in California and one of two in San Diego County (the other is Chula Vista) to earn this 2012 distinction awarded to communities for fighting a play deficit by implementing pro-play policies for children and families. 

Playful City USA is a national program established in 2007 advocating for local policies that increase play opportunities for children. 

 Darell Hammond, founder and CEO of KaBOOM!, believes, “Cities like Encinitas 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.” He notes that according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is critical to healthy brain development. It allows children to use their creativity while simultaneously developing imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. Yet today’s children spend less time playing outside than any previous generation. The resulting play deficit is having profound consequences for kids physically, socially and academically. 

According to Encinitas Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Rudloff, KaBOOM! selected Encinitas for its outstanding dedication to play. She reports, “This year, Encinitas celebrated four fun-filled play days, expanded participation in programs and special events, continued a great relationship with local school districts and provided quality playspaces to the community in recent years. Additionally, the Feeling Fit Festival hosts nearly 3,000 people and promotes health and wellness each summer.”                                              

Encinitas Takes Play Seriously

Rudloff says, “In Encinitas, we’re serious about promoting play. We know that exercise is good for children’s growing bodies, minds and spirits and we believe that fun activity should be built into every day; not just at recess and not just during organized sports, but by daily infusion whenever possible with an element of playful fun. Here in Encinitas, with year-round great weather, we strive to provide physical spaces and exciting activities that entice children and their families to get out and ‘play around.’ We plan to use this Playful City USA recognition as an added incentive to continue offering programs that serve the active and passive recreational needs of our community.”

As a 2012 Playful City USA, Encinitas is eligible for $15,000, $20,000 and $30,000 grants via Let’s Play, a community partnership led by the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group to get kids and families active nationwide. Grant recipients will be announced on June 4, 2012.

More information about the City of Encinitas’ 'playful' programs can be found on the city's website. 

For more information on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, visit playfulcityusa.org or kaboom.org.