The Town of Fountain Hills is being honored with a 2016 Playful City USA designation for the sixth time. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the national recognition program honors cities and towns across the country for making their cities more playable.

“Fountain Hills is thrilled to once again receive the Playful City designation - our 6th time,” said Mayor Linda Kavanagh. “We accept this honor playfully but seriously, too, because becoming a Playful City requires hard work. We are a recidivist Playful City due to the hard work of our awesome town staff, volunteers and service club members who have made our small town a big champion for kids.

“Our programs, parks, amenities and events are conceived, designed and realized by adults who are still kids at heart and they are enjoyed by the young and old alike.”​

The Town of Fountain Hills has been working hard in this area, especially within the last year to increase playability. Playability is “the extent to which a city makes it easy for all kids to get balanced activity and play,” according to organizers. Playability encompasses playgrounds, open space, interactive areas and so much more.

One example that demonstrates how Fountain Hills prioritizes play is by installing the Harmony playground at Fountain Park. This new feature will offer a unique play experience connecting people through creativity, unique soundscape and sculptural design in an outdoor environment.

The Kiwanis Club (Noon) of Fountain Hills also replaced the children’s “tot-lot” playground at Golden Eagle Park. The new Tot Lot project has greatly benefited hundreds of families and children who visit Golden Eagle Park by enhancing their safety and public enjoyment of municipal play facilities.

Another example that demonstrates playability in Fountain Hills is the tennis court improvements. Through the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority Biannual Grant, Fountain Hills was awarded funds for reconstruction of all six public courts. This asset and new installment contributes to kid-friendly spaces and infuses the community with play opportunities.

The Sunridge and East Loop Sonoran Trail has been added to the Fountain Hills Integrated Trail System and Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve and adds a new designated play space.

In addition, one of the Town’s perks is local events. For more than a decade, Fountain Hills did not have a Fourth of July Celebration that included fireworks. The community has brought this summer event back for the third time.

“Fountain Hills is a great hometown community dedicated to a lifestyle that encourages playful activities for all ages,” Kavanagh added. “We are excited to be recognized as a Playful City for the sixth time.”

To learn more about Playful Cities, to 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 playfulcityusa.org.