Doral celebrates its playful spirit with its annual Play Day — one of the reasons the city was recognized by a national non-profit for encouraging kids to get some fresh air and exercise.
By Rodolfo Roman
Special to the Herald
It will be more than just a regular day at the park for families in Doral next weekend.
The city is celebrating being honored for the second year in a row as a playful city USA community with its annual free event Play Day event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 19 at Doral Meadow Park, 11555 NW 58th St.
“It’s an event geared towards kids,” said Anaisabel Garcia, city special events coordinator. “It is to promote play.”
The national non-profit KaBOOM! recognized the city as part of its playful city USA program for its efforts in promoting play and ensuring that children are healthy by providing the time and space for exercise. Across 38 states, 151 communities were honored.
“With technology now a days, we encourage children to go outside and play,” said Garcia.
Doral currently has four parks, but will soon open a fifth park next year.
Playful City USA Manager MJ Kurs-Lasky applauds the city for its efforts.
“Like KaBOOM!, Doral understands that play among children is not a luxury — it’s an absolute necessity,” wrote Kurs-Lasky in an e-mail. “Since becoming a Playful City USA community, the city has created
initiatives and programs designed to ensure that all children have access to a great place to play.”
The event includes lots of prizes for children like Frisbees and beach balls. There will be an abundance of
fitness games such as jump rope, soccer and hopscotch. Jazzercise and Anta’s martial arts will provide fitness demonstrations. An inflatable obstacle course will also allow kids to participate and compete for
prizes.
Also joining the crowd: face painters and mascots like Billy the Marlin and the Miami Heat’s Burnie.
Parking is free; food will for sale.
Last year, about 2,500 people attended Play Day, Garcia said. “It’s an opportunity to go out and show them how to play together in a nice environment,” Garcia said. “It’s a jam packed event with a lot of fun.”
