Politics & Government

Laurel Named Among Most Playful Cities

Playful City USA ranks Laurel as one of the most child-friendly cities.

It's lucky No. 4 for the City of Laurel.

For the fourth consecutive year, Laurel has been named a Playful City USA, which recognizes communities who have earned that distinction since the inception of the program in 2007.

Only five cities in Maryland were selected, including Laurel, Baltimore, Capitol Heights, Greenbelt, and Takoma Park

Find out what's happening in Laurelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Despite the benefits play provides for both children and adults, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a report stating that time for free play has been markedly reduced for some children. Some factors contributing to less free-play time are: a hurried lifestyle; changes in family structure, and increased attention to academics and enrichment activities at the expense of recess or free child-centered play

"Play is essential to development, because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth," according to the 2011 AAP report.

Find out what's happening in Laurelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 


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