Laurel named Playful City for third time

The city of Laurel was awarded a 2011 Playful City USA award by the KaBoom organization, the city's third award in three years.

KaBoom, which sponsors funding and playgrounds for communities and schools, gives the awards to cities for creating and supporting parks and recreation areas and activities. The city has recently replaced playgrounds at Snowden Park and Roland B. Sweitzer Community Park, and plans to replace the playground at Centennial Park.

Four cities in Maryland and 151 cities nationwide received Playful City USA awards this year.