what is a Playful City USA Community? In 2016, Hillsborough was named a "Playful City USA" community! Hillsborough is one of only 257 communities nationwide, one of five in New Jersey, and the first in Somerset County to earn this recognition. Communities recognized as Playful Cities are leaders in creating opportunities for children to get active and balanced play through programs, policies, facilities, and infrastructure. Hillsborough and these like-minded communities understand and promote the benefits that play provides, including happier and healthier children.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to enrich the lives of the residents of Hillsborough by providing safe, welcoming parks and recreation facilities and affordable, diverse recreation and social activities for people of all ages and abilities to play, learn, contemplate, build community, and be good stewards of our environment.
Hil sborough township department of Parks and Recreation 379 South Branch Road Hillsborough, New Jersey 08844 (908) 369-4832 hillsboroughnjrecreation.org
Hillsborough is proud to be a
Playful City USA community!
what makes Hil sborough Playful?
did you know...
why is play important and beneficial?
-Only 1 out of every 5 children in the United States lives within walking distance of a park or playground (CDC, 2010) -Hillsborough maintains 19 parks and recreational facilities with playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails and paths, picnic tables, and much more -The Parks & Recreation Department offers over 30 yearly programs and recreational sports leagues for children of all ages and abilities
-Children ages 8 to 12 spend an average of 7.5 hours per day in front of a screen (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2010) -Since the late 1970s, kids have lost 12 hours of free time per week. This translates to a a 25% decrease in play and a 50% decrease in unstructured outdoor activities. (Juster, 2004). -Only 1 in 4 kids gets the 60 minutes of physical activity they need every day (CDC, 2010)
Social Development -increases social interaction -promotes positive self-esteem
cognitive Development -helps problem-solving and decision-making -use imagination and creativity
-All of Hillsborough's parks are smoke-free, protecting the little lungs at play
"We
don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
-Facility improvements at parks are routinely undertaken, providing up-todate and safe equipment and amenities
"Play
is the work of the child."
- Maria Montessori
Hillsborough is a Playful City USA Community!
physical Development -helps develop gross motor skills -increases fine motor skills -releases tension, anxiety, and stress (From Dr. Javiette Samuel, Tennessee State University)