KaBOOM! just announced its top 12 play programs in the U.S. Part of the criteria was measurable results and a model of performance that can be emulated by others.  Congratulations to the winning programs and all the other programs making a difference.

You can find the full press release from CSRWire at http://www.csrwire.com/press/press_release/27866-National-Non-Profit-KaBOOM-Honors-the-Nation-s-Top-12-Play-Programs, with an excerpt provided below.

(Excerpt)

National Non-Profit KaBOOM! Honors the Nation’s Top 12 Play Programs; Communities Large and Small Singled Out for Their Commitment to Play

WASHINGTON, Oct. 08 /CSRwire/ – In a new report, Play Mattters, national non-profit KaBOOM! has searched the country for local initiatives that have increased the quantity of available play spaces and opportunities, improved the quality of kids playtime, and increased children’s safe access to them. KaBOOM! is the national non-profit bringing play back into the lives of children. The Play Matters report was commissioned as part of the organization’s Playful City USA campaign, which seeks to honor communities across the country who have made a commitment to improving the lives of their children through play.

The local initiatives chosen for inclusion in the Play Matters report run the gamut, from urban to rural, old-school to high-tech, and many can be implemented in a range of income environments. To make the cut, each of the 12 initiatives had show proven results and represent a significant commitment to increasing play and physical activity. In addition, the program or initiative also needed to be something other communities could do themselves to increase the amount of play in their own children’s lives.

(The press release continues at http://www.csrwire.com/press/press_release/27866-National-Non-Profit-KaBOOM-Honors-the-Nation-s-Top-12-Play-Programs)