Smithfield Parks and Recreation recently received a grant to transform a public area into an imaginative space for families to play and be active outdoors. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association (NCRPA) are supporting healthier communities by installing PlayPrints across the state.
PlayPrints are ground markings, or colorful shapes and games that are painted on existing pavement. The bright colors and interactive designs are meant to encourage visitors to take part in more physical activity. Community agencies across North Carolina were invited to apply.
“Receiving a PlayPrints grant at Smith Collins Park is a helpful step as we continue to grow healthy and active opportunities in our community”, said Gary Johnson, Director Smithfield Parks and Recreation. “Park visitors will have new creative ways to engage with our public space and have fun participating in physical activity outdoors.”
Currently, this park has recently gone through a revitalization process. We moved equipment and updated play areas in doing so it left areas bare. The PlayPrints will impact Smith Collins Park providing another element of play to the area.
“We want to promote healthy habits at an early age and make it fun for North Carolinians to get outside and get active with their families,” said Kathy Higgins, vice president of corporate affairs at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. “PlayPrints are a simple way to take existing outdoor spaces in our communities and transform them into a center for healthy activity and imaginative play.”
