Washington-based non-profit KaBOOM! has recognized 93 communities for taking innovative approaches to providing playgrounds and recreation opportunities to the youths of their area. The "Playful City USA" communities have implemented programs that increase the quantity, quality and accessibility of playgrounds, despite budgets that have been strained by the recession, according to KaBOOM!

In the third year of the annual program, 32 of the 93 Playful City USA communities were repeat honorees from 2008, and 22 were included for the third consecutive year. Thirty-nine new communities have joined others in earning the title, including Honolulu, Indianapolis and San Antonio.

"Our country is facing two monumental deficits: a lack of unstructured play among children and a lack of resources to address this very issue," said Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! CEO and co-founder. "These 93 communities took a stand and determined that the future of their community — their children — deserve a commitment to the cause of play. This is an investment in the future, not an expenditure, and cities and towns across the country can replicate initiatives from these Playful City USA communities so that they, too, can bring play back into the lives of their children."

View the entire list of Playful City USA communities on the KaBOOM! Web site. Applications for the 2010 program will be available in the fall.