Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Police Chief Eddie Garcia, city leaders, and Dallas ISD officials on Monday announced the third annual Summer of Safety campaign.
The mayor and police chief kicked off the Summer of Safety effort at the Mattie Nash-Myrtle Davis Recreation Center. Mayor Johnson affirmed that public safety remains his top priority and said this year’s Summer of Safety campaign will continue Dallas’ remarkable progress in public safety. Dallas has seen three consecutive years of violent crime reduction and recently recorded the lowest violent crime numbers in six years.
“Dallas is making great strides toward becoming the safest big city in America. The third annual Mayor’s Summer of Safety will continue this positive momentum by keeping our youth safe and engaged in healthy activities while they are out of school for the summer,” said Mayor Johnson. “The Summer of Safety also calls upon the rest of the Dallas community to get involved in the lives of our youth and demonstrate how important they are to this city.”
Mayor Johnson highlighted his initiatives and partnerships, such as the SMART Summer reading program; and the Dallas Park & Recreation Department’s Teen All Access Pass, which gives Dallas residents ages 13–17 free admission to museums, water parks, nature centers, and other venues during the summer; and the Mayor’s Youth Sports Ticket Program, which provides opportunities for Dallas youth to attend local professional, collegiate, and amateur sporting events for free.
The Dallas Police Department also offers youth programming throughout the summer ranging from boxing programs to movie nights.
“The men and women of the Dallas Police Department are proud to be part of the Summer of Safety program again this year,” said Dallas Police Chief Garcia. “We are lucky to be in a city making an effort to provide fun, active programs, and classes to keep our youth busy, teach valuable life lessons and social skills, helping them to make the right choices. We can’t wait to get out there and have fun this summer!”
Interim City Manager Kimberly Tolbert, DISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Dallas Park and Recreation Board President Arun Agarwal, Dallas Park and Recreation Deputy Director Crystal Ross, Dallas Public Library Assistant Director Kjerstine Nielsen, and South Oak Cliff alumnus Derrick Battie also shared remarks championing the Mayor’s Summer of Safety campaign.
A complete list of free or low-cost activities offered by the City of Dallas for kids and teens to enjoy may be accessed here. Participating departments include the Dallas Public Library, the Office of Arts and Culture, Dallas Park & Recreation, and the Dallas Police Department.
