“Parks After Dark” Events Offer Teens Engaging Free Activities through Mid-August

Parks After Dark events are continuing up to mid-August in public parks around Pasadena, offering special activities and summer programs aimed at providing families with safe fun activities in their own neighborhoods.

For the remainder of July, a “Let’s Move” Obstacle Course takes place at the Villa Parke CC on Wednesday night, July 29th, starting at 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., and a “Teens Growing Gardens” event on July 30th, at La Pintoresca Park, starting at 5 p.m.

In August, Robinson Park hosts a Nutrition Jeopardy on the 7th, 6 to 7:30 p.m., and Villa Parke CC holds a Youth Soccer Clinic on August 8th, starting at 6 p.m.

Also on August 8th, Loma Alta Park in Altadena will be host to a Historical Black College Reunion for the Altadena and Pasadena community. This event is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On August 13th, a Nutrition Loteria Bingo is happening at Villa Parke CC starting at 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m., and Robinson Park hosts a Teen Pool Party starting at 5 p.m.

Another “Let’s Move” Obstacle Course is scheduled on August 15th, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Robinson Park. On August 18th, a Teen College Expo is slated to start at 5 p.m. at La Pintoresca.

At La Pintoresca Park, every Tuesday in August is Teen Tuesday, 5 to 8 p.m., ending with a Back 2 School Rally & Concert III by Monet Bagneris and The Love Master Peace Band on the 18th.

The Parks After Dark program started years ago initiated by the Los Angeles County’s Department of Parks and Recreation in partnership with Pasadena’s own Human Services and Recreation Department. Throughout the county, at least six public parks hold the annual “PAD” events.

The Department of Public Health and other agencies and organizations are part of the stakeholders and continue to offer sports events, free concerts and movies, skills classes and resource fairs for residents of all ages.

One of the main accomplishments of the PAD program has been its role in reducing the likelihood of young people engaging in at-risk behaviors during night time, officials say.

When the program weas launched it was conceived as a component of the county’s Gang Violence Reduction Initiative, and helped transform areas previously affected by gang activity into vibrant community centers.