Wellington recognized as 2016 Playful City USA community

Wellington has been named a Playful City USA for the second consecutive year. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the national recognition program honors cities and towns across the country for making their cities more playable.

“We are honored that Wellington has been recognized as a Playful City USA for a second year,” Parks Advisory Board chairwoman Lorilyn Bockelman said.

The Town of Wellington has embarked upon a robust plan over the last few years to increase playability as a complementary component to walkability and bikeability to build a community that serves a family oriented population.

“Our goal is to continue to develop town programs and features in conjunction with local schools, businesses and agencies that build a cohesive community revolving around a playful and healthy outdoor living lifestyle,” Bockelman added.

Communities across the country are creating innovative ways to bring back play and attract residents through family friendly activities. Interactive sidewalk art, designated play spaces on trails and the transformation of schoolyards into active play areas are just a few examples of how cities are becoming more playful.

The Town of Wellington, as part of its 2015 Parks and Trails Master Plan, plans to improve on existing infrastructure as well as add new parks, bikeways, and trails that promote connectivity and playful opportunities throughout the community for all ages, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds.

“Wellington is a quickly growing small town, and play is a critical component to our culture and economy,” Mayor Jack Brinkhoff said. “In Wellington we are committed to making play a priority and finding opportunities to play anywhere, not just parks and playgrounds.

To learn more about these cities, see the full list of the 257 communities named 2016 Playful City USA honorees, or to gather more information on the Playful City USA program, visit www.playfulcityusa.org.