GRANITE FALLS, NC (September 20, 2016)…This week the Granite Falls Parks and Recreation Department unveiled PlayPrints, an interactive addition for children and families to use at the outdoor play area at the Shuford Recreation Center located at 56 Pinewood Road, Granite Falls, NC 28630.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association (NCRPA) are installing PlayPrints across the state to inspire active play and support healthier communities in North Carolina.
PlayPrints uses stencils, created by Fit & Fun Playscapes, to create ground markings of colorful shapes, images and games painted on open pavement. The bright colors and interactive designs are meant to encourage residents to take part in more physical activity. At the Shuford Recreation Center, families and children of all ages can be more active and imaginative outdoors with several additions to the open play space. Selected designs include hopscotch, four square, and several agility courses and games that are sure to get visitors moving.
“The addition of PlayPrints at the Shuford Recreation Center are a great way to grow a healthier community, said Granite Falls Town Manager Jerry Church. “The visitors to our recreation center playground now have a fun new way to use our outdoor space and participate in physical activity together.” “I appreciate the support of the Granite Falls Town Council and the efforts of Town Parks and Recreation Director Chad Raby and his staff as we expand and enhance recreational opportunities for our citizens.”
Town Parks and Recreation Director Chad Raby stated, “The Shuford Recreation Center provides a vast number of recreational activities, youth sports programs, and a community center for all citizens of Granite Falls and surrounding communities. The children who participate in our local recreational activity programs will benefit from the PlayPrints installation. The PlayPrints area offers an additional feature to our facility for physical activities that will serve our patrons for many years to come.”
“PlayPrints are a fun way to change an existing space into a gathering place that encourages healthy activity,” said Kathy Higgins, vice president of corporate affairs at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. “We hope this new addition inspires children and families to take advantage of our public spaces across North Carolina to spend time outdoors together.”
The Town of Granite Falls is one of the 41 communities that received a grant to install PlayPrints. Over the next two years, PlayPrints will be popping up at open play spaces as part of BCBSNC’s Get Outside North Carolina! (GO NC!) program. Go NC! builds healthy and active lifestyles through the advancement of greenway systems, increased access to public bicycles and the overall promotion of outdoor physical activity.
“PlayPrints provide an exciting element that encourages citizens to move a little more while learning a new game or recalling a favorite childhood pastime,” said Michelle Wells, executive director at NCRPA.
For a complete list of PlayPrints recipients and to follow progress as PlayPrints are installed throughout the state visit www.NCRPA.net/PlayPrints or follow @NCRPA, @BCBSNC, @FitandFunPlay or #playprints on Twitter and Facebook.
PlayPrints uses stencils, created by Fit & Fun Playscapes , © 2011-2013 Fit and Fun Playscapes LLC. Fit & Fun Playscapes is a retailer of recess and playground game stencils designed to promote improved physical fitness and enrich socialization skills among children: www.fitandfunplayscapes.com.
The Town of Granite Falls is the only full service municipality in Caldwell County providing Administrative Services, Police and Fire Protection, Street, Sidewalk and Cemetery Maintenance, Waste and Recycling Collection, Parks and Recreation Programs, Water Treatment and Distribution, Wastewater Collection and Treatment and Electric Distribution for its 4,640 residents. As the southernmost municipality in Caldwell County, Granite Falls spans US Highway 321 and is in close proximity to Interstate – 40. The Town of Granite Falls is a wonderful place to live, work and play. For more information about the Town, visit www.granitefallsnc.com.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina improves the health and well-being of our customers and communities by providing innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.89 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Since 1933, we have worked to make North Carolina a better place to live through our support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. We have been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute every year since 2012. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
About the North Carolina Recreation & Park Association:
Founded in 1944, the North Carolina Recreation & Park Association (NCRPA) is the premier nonprofit education and advocacy organization, dedicated to the advancement of the park, recreation and leisure professions in our state. NCRPA empowers park and recreation professionals and citizen board members through educational opportunities that enhance their ability to change lives and impact communities on a daily basis for the citizens of North Carolina. For an overview of the programs and services offered by the organization, visit www.ncrpa.net.