KaBOOM! Recognizes Peabody as a 2016 Playful City USA

PEABODY, MA - The town received the Playful City award for the fourth time for its leadership in making it easy for all kids to get balanced and active play in their neighborhoods.

The national nonprofit organization is dedicated to giving kids the childhood they deserve through play.

In its 10th year, Playful City USA is a national recognition program that honors cities and towns for taking bold steps to create more play opportunities for all kids.

"We are thrilled to recognize cities that invest in putting kids first," said KaBOOM! CEO James Siegal in a release. "Balanced and active play is crucial to ensuring kids— and the places they live— thrive. By integrating play into cities, the leaders of our Playful City USA communities recognize that kids and families want to live in close proximity to safe places to play."

Chicopee, Fall River, Greenfield, Montague, Revere, Salisbury and Shirley were the other cities in Massachusetts to receive the honor.