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Community Corner

Cerritos Still the Place to Play for Children

KaBOOM! again recognizes the city for its play opportunities for children, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and high-quality open spaces and playgrounds.

When it comes to outdoor recreation and physical activity for children, Cerritos is a tough place to beat.

For the fifth consecutive year, the city of Cerritos has been named a "Playful City USA" award winner by KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization and advocate for local policies that increase play opportunities for children.

Cerritos was one of 213 cities nationwide to receive the Playful City USA designation, which recognizes cities and towns that make a commitment to play and physical activity by developing localized action plans that are designed to increase the quantity and quality of play in their communities.

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KaBOOM! commended the Cerritos City Council and its dedication for providing play opportunities for kids; maintaining a "Recreation is Good for You" public education campaign; encouraging healthy lifestyles, including the promotion of healthy eating habits and regular exercise; continuing a partnership with ABC Unified School District to create awareness of the benefits of play and active recreation; and participating in a month-long celebration of play and physical fitness each May in conjunction with National Physical Fitness and Health Month.

The city council also was recognized for ensuring that Cerritos residents have high-quality open spaces and playgrounds. The city has 25 parks and recreation facilities including neighborhood parks, community centers, the Cerritos Olympic Swim & Fitness Center, the Cerritos Sports Complex and the Iron Wood-Nine Golf Course.

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Cerritos Mayor Jim Edwards said the recognition by KaBOOM! was well deserved.

“The City of Cerritos has always been committed to providing quality recreation opportunities,” he said. “Our city’s abundance of parks and recreation facilities and wide variety of classes, sports leagues and community events provide the opportunity for residents to improve their health and wellness in a beautiful setting.”

For more information on physical fitness classes or recreational leagues, look for the “Community Services Program,” in the February, May, August and November issues of the Cerritos News, or go to the city’s website at cerritos.us and click on the “Recreation” link.

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