DETROIT (WXYZ) — Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield launched her "Occupy the Summer" program Friday at the Andrew Butzel Recreation Center on the city's west side.
The kickoff comes weeks after multiple teen takeovers occurred downtown and on the city's west side, some of which turned violent, in stories 7 News Detroit has been following.
Watch Megan Lee's video report from the event below:
"I think it's about playing a role in ensuring that young people have productive, safe, and enhancing places to keep themselves occupied," Sheffield said.
Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report from the event below:
Sheffield said she spoke directly with teens who participated in the takeovers before launching the program.
"We had the opportunity to engage with the teens who participated in the teen takeover, and what they expressed was a desire to have fun and engaging activities for them to be a part of the city's resurgence," Sheffield said.
Over the next 10 weeks, nine recreation centers will stay open late with events including late-night basketball and other activities.
7 News Detroit interview: Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield speaks ahead of Occupy the Summer kick off
Extended recreation center hours are at Crowell, Adams Butzel, Kemeny, Farwell, Heilmann, Butzel Family, Coleman Young, Helen Moore and Northwest Activities Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. All nine locations will remain open until 11 p.m. throughout the summer.
Weekly Friday Activations in neighborhoods across each city council district, similar to the Occupy the Corner series, featuring community activities, city resources, local vendors and cultural programming.
RELATED STORY: Another so-called 'teen takeover' happened in downtown Detroit
The summer Friday lineup will run Fridays at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.:
- June 19 - Juneteenth Celebration / Crowell Recreation Center
- July 10 - Skate Night with Royal Skateland / Corrigan Park
- July 17 - Sports Night / Lasky Recreation Center
- July 19 (Sunday) - HOOPFEST in Partnership w/NW Goldberg Cares/Curtis Jones Park
- July 24 - Small Business and Sheff Tank Pitch Competition / TBD
- July 31 - Arts & Culture Night / TBD
- August 7 - Bike Night / Joe Louis Greenway Pavillion
- August 14 - Finale in Partnership with Metro Detroit Youth Day / Diehl Club
Watch 7 News Detroit reporter Megan Lee's report on the bike giveaway:
Not all residents are convinced the program will be enough. Detroit resident Darryl Taylor questioned whether teens would show up.
"How many young folks are going to play basketball at that time of night. I think we have to come up with a better plan," Taylor said.
Detroit resident Kim Bell said change needs to come from at home first.
"A lot of people don't understand when it comes to children and the troubles they're having, it starts at home," Bell said.
Other residents are more optimistic.
"I like her plans for it, gives them something to do. Keep them off the streets and keeps them occupied with something that's positive," Pamela Richardson of Detroit said.
Sheffield said the program extends beyond activities, offering support resources for parents as well.
"We have wrap-around services on site, so whether it's job information, housing information, utility assistance information, and several city apartments that will be on-site," Sheffield said.
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