HENDERSON, Nev. – The City of Henderson has been named a Playful City USA Community for the fifth time by KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit dedicated to saving children’s play. Henderson is the only community in Nevada to earn this national designation.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play allows children to use their creativity while simultaneously developing imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. Yet today’s children spend less time playing outside than any previous generation in part because only one in five live within walking distance of a park or playground. The resulting play deficit can negatively impact children physically, socially and academically.

Presented by the Humana Foundation, Playful City USA is a national program advocating for local policies that increase play opportunities for children and is a key platform in combating the play deficit.

“The play deficit can have profound implications for children, especially as many of them continue to embrace sedentary activities such as watching television, playing video games and chatting via text messaging and social media rather than face to face,” said Mayor Andy Hafen. “It’s one of the reasons why the City of Henderson remains committed to providing premier parks and trails within walking distance of most Henderson homes. We provide access and opportunities for everyone, and I encourage parents to take advantage of these invaluable resources for the health and well-being of all children.”

There are 213 Playful City USA communities across the country for 2012. Communities were recognized for developing unique initiatives in an effort to increase play opportunities for children.

For additional information, visit http://cityofhenderson.com/parks/

The nationally accredited City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department provides premium services through diverse and innovative parks, recreation and natural resource opportunities. It serves the community with seven recreation centers (including a facility for adults 50+), one senior center, 11 pools, 54 parks, five skate parks, two sports complexes, more than 66 linear miles of trails, Acacia Demonstration Gardens, the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, and thousands of programs for people of all ages and abilities.