From June 22 to August 28, 2009 more than 25 M-NCPPC facilities will be open from 10 pm to midnight Monday through Saturday to provide Prince George’s County teens and young adults with places where they can hang out with their friends, explore new recreational pursuits, and learn how to keep themselves and their communities safe. Progressive Hip-Hop Artist, Christylez Bacon, will be joining the program for it’s 2009 season, providing 13 free concerts and workshops at 8 PG County Community Center locations. (Show Dates & Time Can Be Found Here)
The Safe Summer program marks the county-wide launch of a pilot program that was hosted at five M-NCPPC community centers last year. During last year’s Safe Summer program, more than 8,000 young people were provided with new opportunities in recreation in a safe environment, and the impact of the program was felt community-wide. Youth and teen loitering in the neighborhoods surrounding the community centers decreased during the program’s hours with young people off the streets and engaged in Safe Summer activities, according to The Maryland-National Capital Park Police and Fourth District Prince George’s County Police. M-NCPPC expects the program to have that same impact on an even broader scale this year with many more community centers and youth involved.
The theme of the Safe Summer program is one that all Prince George’s County residents can embrace: Change Starts With Me. “It’s all about the impact one individual can have on the community, be it as a teen, a parent, a grandparent, a business owner or just a resident. Everyone plays a part in ensuring the safety of Prince George’s County’s young people all summer long,” says Kelli Beavers, M-NCPPC youth services coordinator.
To get involved with Safe Summer, from employment opportunities to business partnerships, and to see the full list of participating M-NCPPC facilities, visit www.pgparks.com.
For information call the Help Desk at 301-699-CALL (2255); TTY 301-699-2544.
To sign up for classes and activities go to SMARTlink at www.pgparks.com, or call 301-583-BOOK.
