‘Playful City’ applications due March 15

Cities and towns that attain national “Playful City” status this year will be eligible for grants designed to increase recreational opportunities for children.

Last year, 151 cities and towns, including Shirley, Mass., qualified for the designation.

Communities that are recognized this year can apply for $20,000 “Let’s Play” construction grants. The grants are awarded to cities and towns that draw on the “community playground build process,” which emphasizes citizen involvement, including voluntary labor.

Grants of $15,000 and $30,000 are available for projects in which schools and municipalities open school recreational facilities to the public during non-school hours.

Applications for the Playful City USA program are due March 15. The applications for the grants are due March 29.

For more information, visit www.kaboom.org/playfulcityusa.