The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) continues their successful “DPR Teen Night,” an innovative and fun program for and designed by District teenagers, offering an array of recreational, leisure, social, cultural and educational activities in safe and healthy environments.
Every Friday, at recreation centers throughout the eight wards of the District, teens ages 13 - 19, are invited to DPR Teen Night and enjoy a tailor-made evening created just for them. The evening runs from 7 pm to 12 pm.
“The continued success of DPR’s Teen Night is another step forward as our agency continues to enhance the quality of programming we provide, especially for our youth,” said Clark E. Ray, DPR director. “Because this program is designed for our young people, by our young people, it reflects both their hearts for being involved in their community and our commitment to listening to what teens want in programs for them.”
DPR Teen Night includes everything from playing traditional sports like volleyball, kickball, dodge ball and double-dutch to producing poetry slams, singing karaoke, and participating in life skills workshops.
According to Louis Hall, director of DPR’s Office of Teen Programs, “The support of the Metropolitan Police Department is definitely an added value to this program. Because of their presence inside and outside our centers during Teen Night, this program really provides a safe haven for our youth.”
DPR Teen Night is also believed to have a great impact on the District’s Focus Improvements Areas (FIAs), including a reduction in crime rates. Wallace Perry, manager of DPR’s Roving Leaders program added, “Teen Night’s extended hours gives our at-risk youth more options. We encourage them to participate in the positive recreational activities that Teen Night provides.”
This week’s DPR Teen Night program will be held at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE. For more information on DPR Teen Night including the current schedule, contact the DPR Office of Teen Programs at (202) 671-0451 or visit DPR’s website at dpr.dc.gov.
Media Contact: MosesAlexander Greene: (202) 673-7684