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GREG TRAVIS / Ledger & Times
Murray has been named one of 67 communities across the nation to earn a “Playful City USA” distinction from KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization dedicated to bringing play back into children’s lives. The announcement was made this morning at Murray Middle School. Pictured above, city, county and school officials are joined by MMS students. |
Murray named one of 67 ‘Playful Cities' in US
By ERIC WALKER, Editor
and GREG TRAVIS, Staff Writer
Murray is getting quite the reputation among the kid-friendly set.
This morning, local officials announced the city's recognition as one of 67 “Playful Cities USA” in the country and the only one in Kentucky. The announcement was made during an outdoor assembly in the playground at Murray Middle School.
Pat Harrington, chair of the Community of Promise/100 Best Communities Committee said, “Play is a four-letter word, and we are excited to announce that Murray is the first and only city in the state of Kentucky to receive this designation. Other Kentucky cities applied, but we are so thankful that we got it.”
She told the group that playing helps to develop social skills, negotiation skills and creative skills.
“It helps to make us healthier, thinner and smarter. Play brings joy and laughter back to the faces of kids,” she added.
Harrington said play can also teach respect for one another and it helps in gaining life skills.
“We believe in play,” she remarked.
The recognition came from a national non-profit children's recreation organization called KaBOOM! and also from qubo, a bilingual entertainment programer. The two developed Playful City USA to honor towns across the nation that have exhibited a concentrated effort to encourage playing as a component to a child's well-being. It is the second year of the annual program, and 27 of the 31 founding Playful City USA communities have made the list again, while 40 new communities, including New York, Los Angeles, St. Petersburg, Orlando and Murray have joined the ranks, a release stated.
The agendas all of these communities have created impact not only childhood wellness, but public safety and quality of life issues.
Murray and Calloway County have also been repeatedly recognized in recent years as one of the top 100 communities for young people.
Murray Mayor Tom Rushing added, “We are so blessed in this community. It's fascinating - every time we win one of these events. Being healthy is what this is all about. We are emphasizing health and play and exercise. This is a very important award for Murray and Calloway County.”
Calloway County Judge-Executive Larry Elkins stated, “We know we live in a wonderful community, but it is also important for others to know how wonderful it is. This is definitely the best community in the state of Kentucky. A large part of life is work, and it is important to put play in its proper perspective.”
Lance Allison, executive director of the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce said, “It's a wonderful designation. Playful Cities wants communities to engage more in playful activities. It's great that our city is open to that idea and supports good, old-fashioned fun time. It speaks to a well-rounded community.”
Cities and towns ranging from New York City to Landfall, Minn., were recognized for their playful commitment. Their efforts included creating a play area within a 10-minute walk of every child to footing 75 percent of the cost to upgrade unsafe playgrounds to extending school playground hours afterschool and on weekends to hiring a bus to commute youth to and from an area skatepark.
In Murray, a commission of school and university administrators, law enforcement, parks, community education and United Way officials was formed to examine community play activities.
“In a time when communities are struggling with critical financial decisions, Murray proved its commitment to the cause of play by launching creative initiatives designed to increase access to playspaces, improve the quality of play in their community, and increase the time children spend playing,” said Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! CEO and Co-founder, in a statement. “The ideas range the gamut, from new programming and access initiatives to creating informational resources and public private partnerships. It just goes to show you, where there's a will, there's a play.”
Added Rick Rodriguez, president and general manager of qubo, “qubo shares the goal of enhancing the lives of America's children through play. We applaud Murray and the other ‘Playful City USA' communities that have made play a priority and are proud to be part of this effort that gives kids the opportunity to be kids again.”
Leigh-Allyn Baker, an actress in Los Angeles who is a 1990 graduate of Murray High School, said, “Major studies show that unstructured play is essential,” adding that children should “get away from video games and go outside and play.”
The designation as a Playful City is a rare one for the region. Of the surrounding states, Illinois has two cities which were recognized - New Lenox and Yorkville - and Missouri had one in Lake St. Louis. Tennessee had none. Bloomington, Ind., was also recognized from the surrounding region.
Eleanor Spry, assistant superintendent with the Murray Independent School District, said, “We are very excited that Murray has received this designation. It re-enforces the fact that a healthy life style includes leisure as an important component. All pathways lead to play whether at playgrounds, parks or other facilities.”
Lou Carter, principal at Murray Middle School, said she was honored that the announcement was made at MMS.
Harrington said in celebration of the distinction, a “Day of Play” will be held at Chestnut Street Park on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In conjunction with the “Day of Play” there will be a “Skate Day in the Park.”
It was noted that the city has been working toward the establishment of a skate park and has settled on a location at the Chestnut Street Park. Temporary ramps will be set up and youth can skate on that day, it was reported.
Mills also commented that “Walk/Bike to School Day” will be observed on Oct. 8.
Story created Sep 08, 2008 - 13:30:17 EDT.
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