Akron’s Connect at the Rec, a teen program on Friday evenings, begins June 27.
Aimed at teens in grades 6-12, the initiative aims to provide recreational opportunities on five Friday nights from 5-9 p.m.
Teens can meet at the Ed Davis Community Center, 730 Perkins Park Drive, or the Joy Park Community Center, 825 Fuller St., for open gym, arts and crafts, a live DJ, food, giveaways, hair care services, mobile gaming truck, community speakers and more.
Akron Police and Akron Fire will be at both locations to interact with youth.
Connect the Rec will be held June 27, July 11, July 18, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8. The program is free but registration at the door is required.
Participants can arrive and register until 6 p.m., when the doors will close for the remainder of the programming. The Ed Davis Community Center can host up to 200 students and Joy Park Community Center can host up to 150.
Food service will begin at 7 p.m. and food offerings will vary.
Transportation to and from the center must be arranged by parents/guardians.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, Akron Recreation and Parks Department, Akron Police Department and Akron Fire Department.
Ron Marhofer is the event sponsor, donating $3,000 to support the program. Many other community organizations will be involved with collaborations and partnerships for program nights, including the Akron Urban League and Beyond Expectations Barber College.
“We’re excited to launch the Connect at the Rec program to provide Akron’s young people with a safe, fun option for their Friday nights this summer,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “By providing our kids with somewhere to go to connect with their peers, enjoy their hobbies, and interact with community leaders, it keeps them engaged, safe, and having fun, which is the goal for summertime.”
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron’s Connect at the Rec begins June 27 at Ed Davis, Joy Park community centers
Reporting by Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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