Fun and games is a serious business these days. Kids have less recess time in school and less play time that is unstructured. Parents have less disposable income for play-related activities. Cities across the nation face tight budgets, which means that parks and recreation departments have to stretch their dollars even further.

Yet a majority of parents, 82 percent, believe that kids don't spend enough time playing outside, according to a national nonprofit agency that promotes play.

Commerce City is doing its part to ensure that play and its benefits remain a priority for residents and their children. Its efforts are being noticed. The city recently was named a "Playful City USA" by Ka-BOOM!, a nonprofit organization with the goal of ensuring that children everywhere have access to a play area. Commerce City was one of 93 communities throughout the U.S., and one of four communities in Colorado, to receive the designation.

"We are excited and honored to receive this award," said Commerce City Mayor Paul Natale. "Children are one of our most important resources, and we strive to provide safe and accessible play areas for children and people of all ages."

The city's support and maintenance of play spaces ensures the well-being of its citizens, Natale said. It also promotes the city's goal of a "Quality Community for a Lifetime," and an active and healthy lifestyle for its residents.

The city proclaimed July 4 a "Play Day," encouraging residents of all ages to participate in 4 th Fest and other citywide activities. Commerce City also supports residents spending time outside at city parks, trails and playgrounds with their families and friends.

KaBOOM! promotes play as a valuable part of a child's healthy development and a crucial factor in their overall well-being. Children who play do better in school and develop cognitive skills that are linked to learning and academic performance, according to the agency.

In naming Commerce City a "Playful City," KaBOOM! cited a "creative commitment to the cause of play in the areas of quantity, quality and access." Quantity relates to the number of usable, open play areas. Quality involves subjective factors that encourage repeated use and make the areas engaging, exciting, interesting and fun. Access entails the ability to get to a play space (roads, trails) and a lack of barriers to the area (cost, safety, traffic, locked gates).

Commerce City has 18 parks, more than 25 miles of trails, and several open spaces for residents to enjoy. View an interactive map and get more information online at www.c3gov.com (click on Parks and Recreation) or by calling the Recreation Center at 303-289-3760.