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for immediate release Sanford receives recognition again SANFORD, N.C. — For the second straight year, Sanford was named a "Playful City USA" community by KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing play opportunities for children. Only 118 cities and towns nationwide earned recognition this year for providing more opportunities for children to be active and healthy. Five other recipients were located in North Carolina. In its announcement, KaBOOM! commended the City of Sanford and Lee County Parks and Recreation for actively seeking more opportunities for children to be active and healthy, despite facing significant budget restrictions. "We are very pleased to again be named a 'Playful City USA,'" said Sanford Mayor Cornelia Olive. "With facilities such as Depot Park, our three new neighborhood parks and the Endor Iron Furnace Trail under construction, we are opening access to all children and complementing an already-excellent park system." Darell Hammond, cofounder and CEO of KaBoom!, commended Sanford for not falling victim to what he calls "an extreme misconception" that children's play is a luxury. "For decades, this notion dominated our actions and we continue to see the damaging results: a monumental lack of play spaces for children and sky-rocketing childhood obesity rates," he said. "Sanford refused to adhere to the status quo and realized all children deserve a municipal commitment to the cause of play." The Lee County Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit organization established to attract industry, enhance job opportunities and promote sound planning across Lee County. Funding is provided by the county, as well as the City of Sanford and Town of Broadway, the county's two municipalities. —30— contact more on the web |
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