Palm Bay is a Playful City USA

Palm Bay is one of 213 cities named as a 2012 Playful City USA by the national non-profit KaBoom organization. Palm Bay was recognized for its efforts to increase play opportunities for children while simultaneously developing imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive and emotional strength.

“The City of Palm Bay is proud to provide the kind of play activities and access to outdoor spaces that benefit kids in a lasting way,” says Heidi Lapin, Director of Parks and Recreation.  “It’s well documented that kids are not getting enough exercise and play is the natural way that kids can stay active and healthy.”

“Some of the most innovative concepts and cost-effective programs are being developed in Playful City USA communities,” says Darell Hammond, Founder and CEO of KaBOOM! and author of The New York Times Best Seller KaBOOM!: How One Man Built a Movement to Save Play. “Cities like Palm Bay are key allies in the fight to combat the play deficit and serve as outstanding role models for government and community leaders across the country.”

Each of the 2012 Playful City USA communities demonstrated creative commitments to addressing the play deficit. KaBOOM! selected Palm Bay for its outstanding dedication to play. Palm Bay introduced mobile technology into its 2012 Play Day. The city developed a Treasure Hunt with QR codes for the event, encouraging children to use smart phones to scan the codes and hunt down the clues. The objective is to draw children to the play day event and encourage interest in playing outdoors.

Veterans Park Lake Closed

NO SWIMMING

More and more information has been coming out from the Florida Department of Health and various public safety agencies regarding the risks associated with swimming in warm untreated bodies of water.

The lake at Veterans Park is closed to swimmers due to the continued possible risk of primary amebic meningoencephalitis to park patrons.  Primary amebic meningoencephalitis is caused by the Naegleria Ameba entering the body through the nose and traveling to the spinal cord and brain and then destroys brain tissue.  

Although this is relatively rare, it is almost 100% fatal.  The US Center for Disease Control and the Florida Department of Health both state that the only known way to prevent Naegleria infections is to refrain from water-related activities in bodies of water that are suitable for Naegleria Ameba to live.  This includes warm, fresh-water lakes, ponds, and rivers. 

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Richard L. Tucci, Assistant Director, Palm Bay Parks & Recreation at (321)-953-8912.

Adult Athletic Leagues Sign up for Summer League play at Liberty Park! More Info

Liberia Park - The splash pad is temporarily closed for repairs effective 4/19/2012.  If you have questions please call (321) 952-8912.

Free Wi-Fi Check it out! At City Hall, Inspiration, Knecht, Liberty, McGriff and West Oaks Parks.

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