For Immediate Release
Date: May 17, 2017

The City of Savannah is being honored with a 2017 Playful City USA designation for the eighth consecutive year. National non-profit KaBOOM honors cities, towns and communities across America that are taking bold steps to ensure that all children have easy access to balanced and active play in their communities.

The City of Savannah currently maintains 58 playgrounds, 15 community centers, 9 public swimming pools and hundreds of acres of parks. Savannah also encourages play to be a part of neighborhood and business development plans.

“We are honored to be named a Playful City as play spaces enhance the quality of life for our youth,” said City of Savannah Parks & Recreation Services Director Barry Baker. “It is important for the community to increase opportunities for youth to improve health, fitness and play by providing activities and facilities to meet current and future needs which will lead to the easy
choice for all kids no matter where they live.”

The 2017 Playful City USA recognition includes 258 communities from Richmond, Virginia to Richmond, California that make it as easy as possible for kids to play. In total, these communities feature more than 14,000 safe and engaging play spaces that serve more than 4 million kids. KaBOOM!, created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments address the Play Deficit by ensuring their children have the time and space they need to play.

“We are thrilled to recognize Savannah for putting kids first,” said KaBOOM! CEO James Siegal. “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.”

Members of our community are invited to get involved (and get playful!) in thinking about how play can create a more family-friendly city.

For more information contact City of Savannah Parks & Recreation Services Director Barry Baker at (912) 351-3841.