Since Brentwood has been named a Playful City by KaBOOM! for the third consecutive year, the Brentwood Parks and Recreation Department is pulling out all the stops to show that this East County community is one of the best at the art of play.

Because City Park is currently under construction, Play-bor Day (so named in honor of Monday’s holiday) will be held this year at Veteran’s Park. The change in venue will be complemented by the day’s sister event, the Brentwood Family Aquatic Complex’s 10th anniversary celebration.

“We are so excited about this year’s Play Day,” said Recreation Supervisor Barbie Gary. “While the spirit of Play Day remains the same, we’ll be at a new park, so we’ve adapted to Veterans Park’s amenities. This year we’ll have a scavenger hunt, where kids and their families need to visit the various animal statues in the park to look for clues. And as always we’ll have bubbles, chalk art and games for kids of all ages to enjoy. Then we have the aquatic center’s birthday right after that. So if you have nothing to do on Labor Day, come out for a party at the park.”

A park improvement project will also be incorporated into this year’s celebration, but even the tiny helpers can pitch in. Gary said guests will have a chance to add fresh mulch around the trees – a simple activity that even little ones can enjoy.

The message of Play Day is to get kids outside and active. According to KaBOOM! (a national nonprofit organization emphasizing the importance of play), children today spend less time playing outdoors than any previous generation and are spending an average of four hours per day viewing electronic media. Lack of play is thought to exacerbate the current increase in childhood obesity.

According to KABOOM!, play is more than just having fun. It enhances children’s learning readiness, learning behaviors and problem- solving skills.

Play-bor Day will be held Monday, Sept. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. Play-bor Day participants can then take a short jaunt to the aquatic complex’s celebration of its 10th birthday with hundreds of its closest friends.

During the hours of 3 and 5 p.m., admission to the pool will be $2. Once inside, guests will be treated to games, contests and, of course, birthday cake. Gary said the first 200 guests will receive a special souvenir to commemorate the pool’s milestone.

The Brentwood Family Aquatic Center is located at 195 Griffith Lane, adjacent to Veterans Park. For more information, call Gary at 925-516-5366.