LOS ANGELES IS "THE MOST PLAYFUL CITY"

Playful City USA celebration at Hansen Dam Recreation Area

Los Angeles - General Manager Jon Kirk Mukri was presented "The Most Playful City" award by Shane's Inspiration at Hansen Dam Recreation Area on Friday, August 15, 2008. Shane's Inspiration, a Recreation and Park's partner in developing Universally Accessible Playgrounds (UAPs), joined the Department in the celebration of play. The Department held a Playful City USA Play Day after the awards ceremony where hundreds of children from across Los Angeles did what they do best - PLAY!

Playful City USA is a national recognition program honoring cities and towns across the nation committed to taking action for play. The program recognizes that by encouraging residents, particularly children and youth, to participate in an active outdoor lifestyle that significantly contributes to their overall health and well-being.

The Department of Recreation and Parks strongly supports the Playful City USA Program, as it helps to promote an active lifestyle and highlights the need to provide safe and accessible recreation opportunities within walking distance of every child.

Hansen Dam's L.A. Play Day brought together over 600 children, ages 8 to 13, to enjoy recreational activities, including sports, crafts and swimming. The children were from Tarzana RC, Branford RC, N. Weddington RC, Northridge RC, Sun Valley RC, Studio City RC, Mason RC, Valley Plaza RC, Winnetka RC, CLASS Parks, Aquatics and Shane's Inspiration.

The Mayor proclaimed August 15 as Play Day Los Angeles and the City has applied for a Playful City USA Designation. The proclamation and celebration of an annual Play Day is one of five commitments that must be made in order to become a Playful City. The announcement of the selected 10 Playful Cities will be made the first week of September.

For more information on this event or any other Department programs and/or locations, please visit our website at http://www.laparks.org/ or call (213) 928-9200.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294

Harvey Drut: (213) 928-9296