IRVINE, CA (May 1, 2012): In recognition of Irvine’s high quality playgrounds, parks and recreation services, the City has received a 2012 “Playful City USA” designation. This recognition is provided by KaBoom!, a national non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that promotes children’s recreation and the creation of more places for children to play.  Irvine was the only Orange County City to receive this designation.   

“Since its incorporation in 1971, the City of Irvine has been steadfastly committed to creating a vibrant and active community,” said Brian Fisk, Director of Community Services.  “Irvine has 55 public parks, which offer adults and children alike unique and fun opportunities to explore the outdoors, play on expansive fields and thoughtfully designed playgrounds, and take part in hundreds of recreational activities.”

According to KaBoom!, children today spend less time playing outside than any previous generation, in part because only 20 percent of children live within walking distance of a park or playground. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that play is crucial to healthy brain development in children. As part of the City’s ongoing commitment to health and well-being and its Healthy City Healthy Planet initiative, the City seeks to reverse this “play deficit” by offering its residents a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. 

In addition to its 55 public parks, the City also maintains a world-class Aquatics Center and nearly 6,000 acres of permanently preserved open space, with relevant play-related programming offered throughout the year.  City residents also have access to school district recreational amenities facilitated through joint-use agreements, and more than 300 private parks managed by local homeowner associations.  Through its publication Inside Irvine and online registration, the City offers a wide variety of programs and services to support a healthy and active community; play is encouraged in every facet of the City’s parks and recreation programming.