Two local Iowa communities made this year’s list of U.S. cities with the best available public play spaces.
KaBOOM! publishes a list every year of “Playful City USA Communities.” The program recognizes cities that develop local action plans to increase access to play at schools and in neighborhoods.
“This year 217 communities from 43 states have made a commitment to invest in children through play,” the KaBOOM website explains.
Davenport and North Liberty made the list for 2013.
Cities with the Playful City USA designation get two Playful City USA road signs and access to online training and tools. KaBOOM.org says realtors, chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, developers and investors see the designation as a positive selling point for the included communities.
Cities on the 2013 list are also eligible to apply for construction grants to help fund additional play spaces and playground equipment.
The program also offers joint use grants to cities committed to opening new playgrounds within a year of receiving the money. Davenport is among the cities which received a joint use grant in 2011 and 2012.