Hopkinsville has joined the list of Kentucky cities to be designated as a Playful City USA.
The recognition comes from KaBOOM, a non-profit dedicated to providing safe play areas for kids.
Mayor Carter Hendricks and Parks Department Superintendent Tab Brockman held a press conference this morning to unveil the new signage.
Brockman says the city identified 36 public and private play spaces in the application and highlighted the level of cooperation between local businesses and organizations. He says receiving the recognition speaks to the quality of life of a community.
“Whether it’s a business, whether it’s an industry, whether it’s folks who are looking to move to your community for jobs or retirement even," said Brockman. "When they see that Playful City badge they know that your city is committed to providing family play spaces for kids, it is a sign of a healthy community.”
Brockman says it shows off Hopkinsville’s past accomplishments as well as future plans.
“Plans right now for a new $450,000 skate park that will be opened in the next month, and then a new dog park that’s going online in the next week or two, so there’s a lot of things that are happening around Hopkinsville just facility wise that underscore the commitment the community has for kids and play areas," said Brockman.
Since the national program began 10 years ago, 9 Kentucky cities have become part of the Playful City USA network including Murray, Owensboro, Henderson, Beaver Dam, Pikeville, Simpsonville, Tompkinsville and Williamstown. Murray has held the designation the longest at 9 years in a row.
