Commerce City earns third ‘Playful City’ award

Organization cites ongoing efforts to provide access to play areas

COMMERCE CITY – Commerce City has been named a “Playful City USA” for the third consecutive year for its continued efforts to provide residents access to play spaces, including the recently completed Second Creek Trail.

“Commerce City is committed to the well-being of children and serves as an outstanding role model for the rest of America,” said KaBOOM! founder and CEO Darell Hammond. KaBOOM! is a national, non-profit organization that promotes the value of play throughout the United States.

“In making the designation, KaBOOM! looked at how Commerce City works to connect residents with play spaces in their neighborhoods and throughout the city,” said Parks Planner Traci Ferguson. “The Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan, which is now being drafted, is an example of how the city works to provide better connectivity. The city also has agreements with the 27J and Adams 14 school districts that allows public access to school play places when not in use.”

KaBOOM! cites research from the American Academy of Pediatrics that finds play is important to healthy brain development and allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive and emotional strength.

Commerce City is among 151 cities to receive the “Playful City USA” designation. For more information on the KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, visit www.kaboom.org/playfulcityusa.