The Town of Fountain Hills has been named to the list of Playful City USA communities for the fourth consecutive year.

The town was among 217 cities and towns earning recognition from national non-profit KaBOOM! as 2013 Playful City USA communities for their efforts to give children the childhood they deserve by providing ample opportunities for play.

Sponsored by the Humana Foundation, Playful City USA is a national program from KaBOOM! that celebrates and promotes local policies that increase play opportunities for children and is a key platform in combating the lack of play among children.

“Fountain Hills continues to be an active and playful family community that encourages a healthy lifestyle,” said Mayor Linda Kavanagh. “We are honored to be recognized for the fourth consecutive year as a Playful City.”

Fountain Hills is one of fewer than 100 U.S. cities to receive the Playful City USA designation at least four times since 2007.

KaBOOM! selected Fountain Hills for its outstanding dedication to play. The Fountain Hills Unified School District’s recess policy currently requires that children in grades K–12 have 30 minutes of recess. The Town of Fountain Hills’ Community Services Department would like to work with the district to increase the amount of time to 60 minutes of activity with both structured and unstructured activities available for the youngest students.