Newport Honored as a "Playful City"

Newport is being honored as one of 241 communities nationwide with a 2015 Playful City USA designation. The award was announced today by KaBoom! a national non-profit organization dedicated to giving all kids the childhood they deserve, filled with balanced and active play, so they can thrive. KaBoom! creates great places to play, inspires communities to promote and support play, and works to drive national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive lives. The national program honors cities and towns across the country for making their cities more playful. This is the second time that Newport has been awarded this designation.

The City’s Recreation Department, a division of the city’s Department of Public Services, takes the lead in ensuring that the commitment to healthy activity is supported with facilities and programming. The staff and leadership work tirelessly to provide a wide variety of recreation and sports activities for the entire community. Their programming is designed to create recreation activities for all ages, abilities and interests. Not only do they organize regularly scheduled events, they also plan seasonal activities, leagues and numerous special events. In addition to high quality recreational activities, the City is home to a variety of sports facilities, ball fields and parks.

“Newport is committed to creating and managing a family-friendly city that promotes healthy engagement and participation for all,” says Jeanne-Marie Napolitano, Mayor of the City of Newport. “From our neighborhood parks to our larger city complexes, there are many opportunities for all residents to find space to participate in the activities they enjoy.”

To learn more about the 241 cities who have been honored by being named 2015 Playful Cities honorees, visit www.playfulcityusa.org. To learn more about programs and facilities here in Newport visit the Recreation Department at www.cityofnewport.com/departments/recreation-580