Three neighborhood parks in San Diego County will host community festivals after hours every weekend this summer to foster new community connections.
The “Parks After Dark” program aims to transform City Heights, Linda Vista, and Skyline Hills Recreation Centers into community parties beginning July 14 through Aug. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. The free community event will take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, featuring live entertainment, activities for all ages, and free meals for kids while supplies last.
“We're so grateful to our partners at the county, Parks Foundation, and Price Philanthropies for making three of our popular neighborhood parks centers of fun and community for families on summer nights,'' San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. “These hosted nighttime activities will create lasting summer memories in a safe, healthy, and fun environment.''
Modeled after a popular program hosted by Los Angeles County and its city partners, “Parks After Dark” is designed to “activate public spaces to reduce crime and create social cohesion by bringing joy to the community and creating safe places to play this summer”, said program officials.
As a part of the “Coma Play Outside Initiative”, spearheaded by Gloria’s office, the county guaranteed “Parks After Dark” $500,000 to begin. According to the Chairman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Nathan Fletcher, the county supports programs that improve youth mental health, and “being able to enjoy our parks is a way to do that”.
Families participating in Parks After Dark can anticipate events such as music and entertainment, movies at the park, Zumba, cooking classes, youth sports clinics, and more.
“Parks After Dark'' schedule and activities can be found at comeplaysd.com/programs/.
