For the sixth time, national non-profit KaBOOM! is honoring Pierre with a 2017 Playful City USA designation. Playful City USA honors cities and towns across the country for putting the needs of families first so kids can learn, grow and develop important life skills. These communities are transforming ordinary places into playful spaces and using play as a solution to the challenges facing their residents.
The 2017 Playful City USA recognition includes 258 communities from Richmond, Virginia to Richmond, California that make it as easy as possible for kids to play. In total, these communities feature more than 14,000 safe and engaging playspaces that serve more than 4 million kids.
The City of Pierre boasts more than 50 miles of recreational trails, a nationally recognized play trail, nine parks and nearly 100 acres of greenspace. Summer recreational programming includes more than 30 programs for youth, as well as adults.
“Pierre has put a priority on being a community that provides ample opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and maintain an active lifestyle,” said Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill. “I am so proud of our Parks and Recreation team for continuing to find new and interesting ways to make active living part of the Pierre culture.
This year, the City demonstrated its commitment to improving play opportunities by enhancing its summer recreation programming with expanded nature hike and introduction to fishing schedules, as well as efforts to upgrade a number of playgrounds.
As cities are becoming hotbeds for innovation, communities across the country are creating inventive ways to attract and retain residents. Playful City USA honorees are taking bold action to ensure kids have great places to play – all with the ultimate goal of making play the easy choice for all kids, no matter where they live. In addition to the playground down the street, Playful City USA communities are turning grocery stores, vacant lots, crosswalks and sidewalks into opportunities for play.
“We are thrilled to recognize Pierre for putting kids first,” said KaBOOM! CEO James Siegal. “The well-being of our communities starts with the well-being of our kids, and play is critical for them to thrive. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all kids get the childhood they deserve filled with play.”
To see the full list of Playful City USA communities and to learn more about making play the easy choice for kids, visit kaboom.org/playfulcityusa. You can also take part in the conversation with leaders across the country using #PLAYceforkids on Twitter and Facebook.