For the fourth year in a row, Maricopa received the Playful City designation.

Maricopa, which boasts 76 parks and recreational areas, received the title as a 2017 Playful City USA for the fourth consecutive year by KaBoom!, a national nonprofit organization.

“Playfulness is good for the body and the mind,” said Daniel Gallegos, Copper Sky recreation manager.

The designation is also good for the city, he said, because it serves as confirmation that recreation staff is accomplishing its goals.

“We want to be able to meet those needs of the community and this is an affirmation of us doing what we need to do,” Gallegos said.

But the program is about more than just the amount of recreational space a city offers its residents.

According to the nonprofit’s website, other criteria must be met through an application process. If qualified, the program honors “cities and towns that ensure that kids in their communities, particularly kids from low-income families, get the balanced and active play they need to survive.”

During the application process, Gallegos and his team were ready to prove Maricopa is still playful – and recreationally responsible.

A couple of examples used in this year’s Playful City USA submission:

·         With help from a $17,500 Ak-Chin grant, the city implemented an afterschool recreational program called Maricopa in Motion in 2016. Staff from Copper Sky meets with students from four MUSD elementary schools — many of these children’s daily amount of physical activity is limited, according to the city website.

·         Additionally, to ensure everyone has access to fitness activity, Gallegos explained, the city offers scholarships to those who cannot afford specific afterschool, camping and other recreational programs at Copper Sky.

Although promoting healthy lifestyles is one feature of the program, Gallegos said physical activity in general helps bond the community.

“The social aspect of recreation and parks is huge on how our communities grow and become better because we are more connected,” he said.

Maricopa is one of 17 Arizona cities to receive the Playful City USA designation this year.