“After Hours” provides late-night fun for teens
Drop-in basketball, drop-in futsal, and a fun place to hang out with friends – that’s the flavor of the Recreation Department’s new late night summertime teen program, called After Hours. The program, designed for young people ages 16 to 24, begins July 7 and runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 11 p.m. through Aug. 20. It will be held at the Takoma Park Recreation Center, at 7315 New Hampshire Ave.
Recreation Department staff are confident that young people will flock to this new opportunity: Local passion for basketball is already well established through the Y.E.S. Basketball League, which has been popular among youth, teens and young adults for more than 20 years. Futsal is another winner – this indoor soccer game, offered as a drop-in activity for the last five years, has averaged 30 to 40 participants each session. After Hours will alternate the two games: Tuesdays will feature basketball, and Thursdays will be futsal.
After Hours was created in partnership with the Takoma Park Police Department, and will not only offer safe, fun activity but will also provide teens and young adults strong, positive relationships with adults other than their parents. “There is a major need for an outlet amongst the youth in the community,” says Coach Adrienne Allen, who has been leading the Futsal drop-in program at the Recreation Center.
“This is exactly what every town needs, and I’m so happy Takoma Park is making it happen,” says Howard Kohn, an active city resident and member of the Recreation Committee. “The police should play a positive role in the lives of kids, same as other adults. As we know, it takes a village.”
After Hours is open to Takoma Park and Montgomery County residents and is free of charge, although registration is required. The Takoma Park Recreation Department is currently looking for people to staff the program. Applicants may apply at www.takomaparkmd.gov/hr. For more information about the program or job opportunity please contact Jurrel Cottman at 301-891-7296.
This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.
