For a fourth time, the City of Rockville has been honored as a Playful City by the nonprofit organization KaBOOM! in a national program recognizing towns and cities across the U.S. that value great places to learn and play for kids.
Rockville is home to more than 1,000 acres of parkland, with 65 parks that feature a wide range of amenities and activities, from playgrounds to picnic tables to pavilions.
Since 1996, KaBOOM! has collaborated with partners to build, open or improve nearly 16,700 playgrounds, engaged more than one million volunteers and served 8.5 million kids. The Playful City USA program honors cities and towns across the country that put 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.
2017’s Playful City USA recognitions include 258 communities, from Richmond, Virginia to Richmond, California, that make it as easy as possible for kids to play. In total, the communities feature more than 14,000 safe and engaging play spaces that serve more than 4 million children. Rockville was one of four Maryland municipalities recognized. Baltimore, Capitol Heights and Takoma Park were also honored.
“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,” KaBOOM! CEO James Siegal said.
With three community centers, a nature center, civic center, swim and fitness center and senior center, the city offers numerous opportunities to be active. From classes to camps, sports leagues to arts programs, Rockville’s award-winning programs make the city a place packed with ways to play. Nine out of 10 people responding to the 2016 City of Rockville Survey reported that they had visited a Rockville park at least once in the previous 12 months, and 82 percent rated the range of activities in city parks as “excellent” or “good.”
See the full list of Playful City USA communities, and learn more about Rockville’s recreation programs, parks and playgrounds.