The city of Kenmore is dedicated to promoting healthy living and providing the opportunities for children and adults to stay active, according to Mayor David Baker.

As a result, Kenmore is one of 213 cities and towns that have earned recognition from national nonprofit KaBOOM! as 2012 “Playful City USA” communities. Kenmore is one of five cities in the state of Washington along with Auburn, Longview, Mercer Island and Parkland recognized as a Playful City.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is critical to healthy brain development. It 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 1-in-5 live within walking distance of a park or playground. The resulting play deficit is having profound consequences for kids physically, socially and academically.

KaBOOM! selected Kenmore for its outstanding dedication to play. Kenmore continues to emphasize joint use agreements, including a 10-year agreement with Bastyr University for athletic fields. In addition, the community annually hosts a play day to promote healthy living.

“The community is encouraged to participate in the annual Kenmore Play Day in August and take advantage of Kenmore’s many parks featuring open space, trails, playground equipment and more,” Baker said.