Once again, Danville has been recognized as Playful City USA by national non-profit KaBOOM!, marking the 10th time the community has been honored.
“We hold the streak for the most designations in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Danville Parks and Recreation Director Bill Sgrinia. “That is no coincidence; we are committed to providing access to play in our community and in our region.”
According to a news release from KaBOOM!, “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.”
For Sgrinia, the designation comes as no surprise.
“Our staff and our partners work tirelessly to provide opportunities for the community, whether it’s access to trails and playgrounds or special events; they are good at what they do.”
Danville is one of 258 communities from Richmond to California in this year’s list of designees. In total, these communities feature more than 14,000 safe and engaging play spaces that serve more than four million kids.
Most recently, Danville has upgraded the playground at Doyle Thomas Park on Green Street and has begun the process of possibly creating a new park in the River District. Parks and Recreation has also continued work on the Riverwalk Trail, which has now grown into an 11.7-mile paved walking path and a travel destination for many people in the region.
“The Riverwalk has really become a signature piece for Danville,” Sgrinia added. “We see visitors from all over, some who visit just for the trail and some who discover the Riverwalk while here and return often for the experience. We hope the future Riverfront Park will anchor the River District in the same way. Likewise, we hope our playgrounds and parks provide a pleasing quality of life for the neighborhood and community members who visit often.”
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.
KaBOOM! is the national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids—particularly those growing up in poverty in America—the childhood they deserve filled with balanced and active play, so they can thrive. 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. KaBOOM! creates great places to play, inspires communities to promote and support play and works to drive the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive lives.