DALLAS—Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux, and other city leaders on Monday launched the fifth annual Mayor’s Summer of Safety campaign, which promotes the many free and low-cost activities available to Dallas youth during the summer in order to advance public safety.
The mayor and the chief announced the Summer of Safety with a press conference at Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center. As part of Dallas’s data-driven approach to public safety, the Summer of Safety will continue the city’s remarkable public safety progress. Dallas has seen five consecutive years of year-over-year violent crime reduction, and since launching the annual Summer of Safety, violent crime in Dallas has gone down during the summer.
“The Summer of Safety is one of the initiatives I am most proud of. As a father raising three kids, I know that keeping them active and safe when school is out can be a challenge,” said Mayor Johnson. “The Summer of Safety helps families do both without straining their budgets.”
“By giving kids safe, healthy, free and low-cost summer activities, the Summer of Safety reduces violent crime and makes our whole city safer,” the mayor added. “Our kids are the next generation of Dallas leaders, and investing in them today sets our city up for long-term success.”
Mayor Johnson highlighted his own initiatives and partnerships, such as the SMART Summer reading program; the Teen All Access Pass, which gives Dallas residents ages 13–17 free admission to museums, water parks, nature centers, and other venues; 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 including boxing programs, basketball, and the Dallas Police Activities League.
“Summer in Dallas should be a time for community, connection, and safe experiences for our families,” said Chief Daniel C. Comeaux. “The Summer of Safety campaign is about prevention, awareness, and partnership, providing residents with the tools and information they need to make smart choices while helping us keep our neighborhoods safe all summer long.”
Monday’s press conference also featured remarks discussing the importance of the Summer of Safety from City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Dallas ISD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Pamela Lear, Dallas Park and Recreation Director John Jenkins, and Dallas Public Library Director Manya Shorr.
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 Dallas Public Library, the Office of Arts and Culture, Dallas Park & Recreation, and the Dallas Police Department, with Dallas Independent School District serving as an additional partner.
