Parks After Dark Youth Program in Altadena Through Aug. 17

Six parks across Los Angeles County, including Loma Alta Park in Altadena, have launched another year of the Parks After Dark Program.

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Department of Public Health, heads up the program, which offers different activities for youth and families and aims to reduce the likelihood of at-risk behaviors.

See ABC7 video of this year's kickoff in Watts attached to this post. 

Extended park hours and activities take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. through August 17. Activities include organized sports, classes on such subjects as acting and film, free concerts and movies, and resource fairs for residents of all ages.

Here is some background on Parks After Dark and how crime in the program’s communities has decreased:

Initially implemented in three parks as a component of the County's Gang Violence Reduction Initiative, the program transforms areas that have been adversely affected by gang activity into vibrant community
centers that provide health and other resources in locations where residents can feel safe and secure.

PAD has been highly successful during its first three summers, resulting in decreased violent crime and high community participation. Between 2010 and 2012, there were more than 120,000 visits to the PAD parks. A 2012 survey of participants found that 94% would participate in the program again, and 96% felt safe during the program. 

Serious and violent crimes in the communities surrounding the original three parks declined 40% during the summer months between 2009 and 2012, compared to a 5% increase in serious and violent crime during this period in nearby communities with parks that did not receive the PAD program.

Have you participated in the Parks After Dark program? Are you interested? Share in the comments.