The City of McAllen is being honored with a 2015 Playful City USA designation for the fourth time. In partnership with the Humana Foundation, KaBOOM! is honoring cities, towns and counties across the country for making their communities more playable.

The City of McAllen enjoys 92 public parks and a 25 mile Hike and Bike Trail system that connects neighborhoods to scenic parks and green spaces, to restaurants and businesses, as well as to the City’s public library and three community centers.  The “Let’s Move McAllen” initiative has also been successful in organizing numerous activities and events that promote healthy habits and playability, such as the McAllen Marathon, the Kids’ McAllen Marathon, and the Run, Ride and Share Campaign.

“As our city continues to grow, we strive to provide a safe and healthy environment filled with activities and programs that holistically develop our youth,” said Mayor Jim Darling.  “Being designated a Playful City USA for a fourth year is a testament to the City of McAllen’s commitment to sustaining a culture of play for our youth and our residents.”

Hopscotch sidewalks, structured recess programs, mandated neighborhood play spaces, city-wide play days and mobile recreation vehicles are all ways in which these communities are appealing to, attracting and retaining residents.  “Playability is crucial to the success of our future communities, and we are proud of the work McAllen leaders are doing to provide a better quality of life for all residents and families,” says KaBOOM! President, James Siegal.

The Playful City USA designation is awarded through a competitive application process. To learn more about these cities, see the full list of the 241 communities named 2015 Playful City USA honorees, or to gather more information on the Playful City USA program, visit www.playfulcityusa.org. We also encourage you to take part in the conversation on #playability with these thought leaders on Twitter and Facebook.