BROWNSVILLE, Texas (May 17, 2017) – Brownsville is being honored with a 2017 Playful City USA designation for the fifth time. Celebrating its 11th anniversary, the national recognition program honors cities and towns across the country for making their communities more playable.
Brownsville was one of 258 communities across the United States, and one of 17 communities in Texas honored as a 2017 Playful City USA. Through this designation, the City of Brownsville gains access to grants that support increasing opportunities for play offered by KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping communities build playgrounds.
KaBOOM! recognized Brownsville’s continuous efforts to encourage an active, healthy and playful lifestyle through various community projects, including BikeShare RGV, offering alternative transportation options for local students and residents while promoting exercise; seasonal basketball leagues hosted at the Brownsville Sports Park – George Hill’s “Ballin’ On the Border” Tour 2016 and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers Clinic; CycloBia Brownsville, a free family-friendly event that temporarily closes the streets for the exclusive use of cyclists and pedestrians; and The CHALLENGE, a city-wide weight loss competition that partners with local gyms, fitness experts, nutritionists and organizations to help participants eat well, lose weight and make permanent healthy changes.
“We are honored to receive this recognition for a fifth consecutive year,” said Office of Grant Management & Community Development Director Marina Zolezzi. “This designation supports efforts by the City of Brownsville and its partners to provide family-friendly activities and programs that promote healthy lifestyles while enhancing the quality of life in our community.”
“We are thrilled to recognize Brownsville 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.”
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.
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