With research proving play is critical to the overall well-being of children, 217 cities and towns, including Arlington, earned recognition from national non-profit KaBOOM! as 2013 Playful City USA communities for their efforts to give children the childhood they deserve by providing ample opportunities for play. This is the sixth consecutive year Arlington has made the list. Texas finished third in the nation, with 15 Playful City USA communities within the state.

Today' s generation of children play less than any previous generation despite the vast benefits of play. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that play is essential to the social, emotional, cognitive and physical well-being of children.

Sponsored by the Humana Foundation, Playful City USA is a national program from KaBOOM! that celebrates and promotes local policies that increase play opportunities for children and is a key platform in combating the lack of play among children.

"Kids need to play actively in their communities, and Arlington works hard to provide them a great place to do just that," Assistant Director Matt Young said. "Kids spend almost eight hours in front of TV. The need for innovative programs and outdoor recreational opportunities has never been more needed. We are honored that our efforts to provide these services have helped Arlington rank among the top cities in the nation for recreation."

KaBOOM!, the national non-profit organization dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve by bringing play to those who need it most, created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments address the lack of play and it is through mayors, city council members, parks and recreation departments, school districts and community leaders that the program succeeds in benefiting children.