PRESS RELEASE

Starting Monday, August 26, Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will offer free after school activities for children (5-12) and teens (13-18) in parks throughout the city.

“Parks, Recreation and Marine’s free after school programs provide kids across the city with safe, enriching places where they can meet friends and enjoy recreational activities,” said Mayor Robert Garcia.

Activities offered include arts and crafts, games and sports. Homework assistance is also available. The six teen centers are within walking distance of area high schools and help build friendships through fun activities that promote confidence-building and talent discovery.

“From crafts and cooking to homework help and sport tournaments, PRM staff create a safe and positive environment for youth,” said Parks, Recreation and Marine Director Gerardo Mouet. “The after-school programs also enhance social skills, teach responsibility and leadership and promote positive self-esteem.”

Parks offering after school programs for ages 5-12 are as follows:

• Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe. Ave.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Bixby Park (130 Cherry Ave.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cesar E. Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Coolidge Park (352 Neece Ave.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Drake Park (951 Maine Ave.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• MacArthur Park (1321 Anaheim St.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Martin Luther King Park (1950 Lemon Ave.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Orizaba Park (1435 Orizaba Ave.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.
• Pan American Park (5157 Centralia Ave.), weekdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Ramona Park (3301 E. 65th St.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Scherer Park (4600 Long Beach Blvd.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Seaside Park (1401 Chestnut Ave.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Somerset Park (1500 E. Carson St.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Stearns Champions Park (4520 E. 23rd St.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Veterans Park (101 E. 28th St.), weekdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Wardlow Park (3457 Stanbridge Ave.), weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Whaley Park (5620 Atherton St.), weekdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Parks offering teen center programs for ages 13-18 are as follows:

• Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.), weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Cesar E. Chavez Park (401 Golden Ave.), weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Coolidge Park (352 Neece Ave.), weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Freeman Center (1205 Freeman Ave.), weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• McBride Park (1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.), weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Silverado Park (1545 W. 31st St.), weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The free, noncustodial drop-in program provides a safe and supervised environment in which children can spend time after school. Participants come and go at their own discretion. The community can access more information about park programs at http://www.longbeach.gov/park/recreation-programs/programs-and-classes/after-school-programs/parks/.

About Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) is recognized for excellence in management practices and programs, having received the National Parks and Recreation Association Gold Medal Award four times. PRM provides leisure programs and services to residents and visitors, which improve the quality of life in Long Beach. PRM maintains 171 parks with 26 community centers, 320 acres of open space and 6.1 miles of beaches; implements the City's Open Space Plan; provides recreational opportunities to meet diverse community needs; maintains public marinas; and provides for public safety and the humane treatment of animals.

For more information about the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine, visit http://www.longbeach.gov/park. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About the City of Long Beach

Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health, Parks, Recreation and Marine, Development Services and more. The City also has a highly-respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, five golf courses, 171 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths, and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit http://longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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