Bismarck Named One of 217 “Playful City USA” Communities

With research proving play is critical to the overall well-being of children, 217 cities and towns across the country, including Bismarck, earned recognition from national non-profit KaBOOM! as 2013 Playful City USA communities for their efforts in providing ample opportunities for play.

Communities large and small, urban and rural have created initiatives designed to increase the quantity and quality of play and playgrounds, while improving access to existing play opportunities.

To honor communities making this commitment to play, KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to bringing play into children’s lives, named them Playful City USA communities. In the seventh year of this program, 217 communities created and implemented programs to positively impact childhood wellness, public safety and the quality of life.

Bismarck is one of those communities and has been designated a Playful City USA for the third time. Other Playful City USA communities across the country include Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL and Chicago, IL. Other 2013 Playful City USA communities in North Dakota are Fargo and West Fargo.

KaBOOM! selected Bismarck for its outstanding dedication to play. Go! Bismarck-Mandan, a community coalition focused on health, is driving initiatives to encourage active play throughout the city. The coalition is partnering with the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District to promote after school play opportunities and develop educational materials and online resources that encourage parents and children to remain active and healthy, while also advocating for additional green space and connections to trails to ensure that access to free and open spaces remain a part of the community.