(Press release)

(KILLEEN, TEXAS): For the second year, the City of Killeen has been named a Playful City USA by KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to bringing play into the lives of children. Killeen is one of just six cities in Texas and 118 cities in the country to receive this designation.

“This is another indicator of excellence in our parks and recreation programs, and I am very proud that Killeen is being recognized nationally for our commitment to providing an outstanding quality of life for our youth,” says City Manager Connie Green. “It is a tremendous honor to be named a Playful City USA again this year.”

KaBOOM! considered a number of factors in the designation including the city’s efforts to increase the quantity and quality of playgrounds, park acreage per capita, and youth served. The organization lauded Killeen’s commitment to ensuring access to play areas with the development of a park land dedication ordinance.

In addition to its 18 parks, the city has a water park, spray park, and two public swimming pools, athletic leagues and camps, recreation classes, and a hike and bike trail. A full list of amenities and programs is available on the city’s website, www.ci.killeen.tx.us.