North Charleston, 5 other South Carolina cities, among most playful U.S. places, group says

Six South Carolina cities, including North Charleston, are being singled out for the outdoor play opportunities they offer children.

The nonprofit advocacy group KaBOOM recognized 213 places around the country in its sixth annual Playful City USA rankings.

The program is sponsored by the Humana Foundation,the philanthropic arm of health insurance giant Humana Inc.The goal is to recognize “cities and towns that make play a priority and use innovative programs to get children active, playing, and healthy,” according Playful City USA’s website.

Also on this year’s list from South Carolina were: Camden, Greenville, Marion, Rock Hill and Spartanburg.

Cities fill out an application in order to be considered.

“Playful City USA designees map local playspaces, complete a needs assessment, and develop an action plan that identifies a minimum of three policies, programs, or initiatives aimed at increasing access to play at school, in neighborhoods, and through community engagement,” Washington, D.C.-based KaBOOM said.

Cities that make the list can qualify for a pool of grants totaling $2.1 million.

Reach John P. McDermott at 937-5572.