Parks After Dark Program Delivers Enjoyable for All

Summer 2026 noticed greater than 34,800 San Diegans served via the City of San Diego’s Parks After Dark occasions at neighborhood parks throughout the town throughout the months of June and July. Through this impactful program, greater than 16,500 scorching meals had been additionally served to youth attending these occasions.

“This was a record-breaking summer for Parks After Dark, with more than 34,800 San Diegans joining us for nearly 100 events across the city,” mentioned Mayor Todd Gloria. “Five years after launching this program, it’s exciting to see thousands of kids and families making the most of their neighborhood parks and everything they have to offer. That’s exactly what these public spaces are for, and I’m proud to see Parks After Dark continue to grow.”

This yr, the Parks After Dark program turned 5 neighborhood parks into locations of connection, leisure and pleasure for the entire household, with actions various from video games and dwell music to arts and crafts and sports activities clinics – all whereas offering helpful neighborhood assets to its contributors. Locations included City Heights Recreation Center, Linda Vista Recreation Center, Memorial Recreation Center, Skyline Hills Recreation Center and Silver Wing Recreation Center.

“Every neighborhood deserves parks that are safe, welcoming and full of life. Parks After Dark shows what it looks like when we invest in public spaces as places for neighbors to connect, have fun and build community,” mentioned Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, who represents District 9. “For thousands of San Diego families, a free meal and a safe place for kids to play have made San Diego a better place for them to live. At the same time, evenings spent with neighbors have created life long memories. I’m proud to see this program continue to grow.”

In addition to scorching meals offered for younger individuals, the San Diego Parks Foundation additionally distributed 500 backpacks stuffed with notebooks, pens, pencils and different college provides to make sure kids attending the occasion may present as much as college ready for the yr forward.

Several City departments and companions contributed to creating Parks After Dark an unforgettable expertise, together with San Diego Police Department, City Park Rangers, City Aquatics, San Diego Parks Foundation, County of San Diego, Price Philanthropies, Prebys Foundation and Feeding San Diego, which distributed produce and items to roughly 100 households each Friday in any respect collaborating places.

“Parks After Dark continues to be an essential source of safe space for everyone in the summertime,” said Andy Field, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department. “We are proud of our City staff and our community partners that once again came through in supporting our efforts to provide these activities, which bring our parks to life in the evening hours, every summer. We always invite all families to join us, and – like every year – families didn’t miss the call.”

Parks After Dark is one of many City programs designed to offer safe and engaging opportunities for local youth and their families. For more information on City programs tailored for young San Diegans and other resources for families, please visit sandiego.gov/Youth-Programs.

The San Diego Parks Foundation first launched the program in 2022 to provide families and children in high-crime neighborhoods with free, safe summer activities. A study by UC San Diego School of Social Studies reported decreases in neighborhood crime immediately after the first edition of the program, with hundreds of children coming together each week to partake in all the special activities made possible by the City and its partners.

“Parks After Dark is greater than a summer time program — it is proof of what occurs when a neighborhood comes collectively,” mentioned Kim Mathis, Vice President of Programs on the San Diego Parks Foundation. “This year, 34,821 residents joined us across 99 events, and together we were able to provide more than 15,000 meals to kids in our neighborhoods. These evenings create safe, welcoming spaces where neighbors become friends and parks become the heart of the community. We are proud of what we accomplished this season and grateful to everyone who made it possible.”

“Parks After Dark is a great example of what is possible when committed partners come together around a shared vision for youth and families,” mentioned Jennette Lawrence Shay, Chief Operating Officer of Price Philanthropies Foundation for Price Philanthropies. “Our long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for young people includes investing in the programs, partnerships and community spaces that help them thrive. We are grateful to the many people who make Parks After Dark possible each year and help bring that commitment to life.”

“Parks are more than places to play—they are places where people come together, build relationships and feel a sense of belonging,” mentioned Emily Young, Vice President of Programs at Prebys Foundation. “Parks After Dark shows what’s possible when public spaces are activated with intention and community at the center. We’re proud to support this work and the many partners creating safe, joyful and welcoming experiences for young people and families across San Diego.”

The City appears ahead to persevering with these valued partnerships and collaborative efforts to deliver Parks After Dark again subsequent yr. Together, we stay dedicated to creating secure, welcoming and fascinating alternatives for our neighborhood to attach, take part and revel in our parks.