Holly, Mich. — For the second straight year, the Holly community has been named as a “Playful City USA” by the national non-profit organization KaBoom!, and is one of only three Michigan communities designated (including Grand Rapids and first-time nominee Luther).

Today’s children spend less time playing outside than any previous generation, in part because only 1 in 5 live within walking distance to a park or playground. The resulting play deficit is having profound consequences for kids physically, socially and academically.

The Playful City USA designation recognizes communities that commit to creating and improving opportunities for play within the community, which has been recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a crucial activity for healthy brain development, creativity and imagination, dexterity and physical, cognitive and emotional space.

KaBoom!, the national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play, created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments and organizations address the play deficit through a collaborative, community-wide approach. The Holly Outdoor Recreation Coalition (HollyORC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, is the coordinating organization for the Holly area.

“Maintaining our status as a Playful City USA is an outstanding reflection on the commitment of the Holly community,” said Holly Township Supervisor and HollyORC Vice President Jesse Lambert. “Playful City USA has been a great part of improving Holly’s quality of life.

Playful City USA communities are required to analyze and map their opportunities for play and identify areas for community investment for improvement, focusing on the quality, quantity and accessibility of play spaces. In the past year, the HollyORC has partnered with local governments and organizations to increase access to public recreation facilities to encourage year-round play for families and children.