The City of Allentown is a Playful City USA community for the sixth consecutive year!
The designation comes from KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to saving play, in partnership with the Humana Foundation. Allentown is one of 212 cities and towns across the country; down from 217 in 2013; and eight in Pennsylvania to earn the distinction. Allentown is among 22 communities being honored for the sixth time.
The KaBOOM! Playful City USA program, sponsored by the Humana Foundation, honors cities, towns and communities across America that are taking bold steps to ensure that all children, especially the 16 million American kids living in poverty, have easy access to balanced and active play in their communities.
“With the tremendous support of our friends at Humana Foundation, we are thrilled to recognize all of these communities that are working to ensure all kids, particularly the 16 million that live in poverty, get the play they need to thrive,” says KaBOOM! CEO and Founder Darell Hammond.
Humana President and CEO Bruce Broussard added, “We’re excited about our journey with KaBOOM! and we appreciate the shared values that Humana, the Humana Foundation, and the KaBOOM! organization can rally around. Making it easy for families to play, be healthy and thrive together is a part of Humana’s dream, and it’s a commitment that all of us at Humana enjoy sharing with KaBOOM!”
“We are honored to be designated a Playful City USA community for the sixth consecutive year,” said Mayor Ed Pawlowski. “We have put an emphasis on improving our recreational activities and facilities. I get a lot of positive comments from the public during my visits to city parks and playgrounds.”
“We are overjoyed to be one of just eight Pennsylvania communities to receive this designation, said Allentown Director of Parks & Recreation John Mikowychok. “It is our goal and mission to offer as many choices as possible to keep our children active. We have a fantastic park system in Allentown and from my observation people of all ages are taking advantage of it.”
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