HARTFORD, Conn. — The city of Hartford and Hartford Public Schools launched its free summer night gym program Monday in partnership with several area nonprofits.
Each location offers various activities every weekday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Activities include sports like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and track. The program also has non-sports options like crafts, e-sports, dance and parkour. City officials said the goal of this city-wide program is to give students a safe and fun place to stay active during the summer.
“Kids in Hartford deserve everything that kids in neighboring towns are getting, and part of that is a really robust sports and recreation program that's in every neighborhood in the city,” said Mayor Arunan Arulampalam.
The program is also part of the city’s strategy to prevent crime across the state as teen involvement in major crimes has been more prevalent in recent years. City leaders said each location offers emotional support and mentorship to help reach students who are most likely to commit acts of violence.
“We are getting to them early that we're engaging in positive activities that we're layering on the supports. They need the emotional and mental social supports they need, ensuring we're stopping cycles of violence before they happen,” said Arulampalam.
Bernard Thomas, executive director of the Hartford Knights, who runs the program at Weaver High School, said last year their program filled to capacity during the second week, so families should sign up fast and anyone who wants to help the program can help out by offering refreshments throughout the week.
“I expect it to be once again full house again, and anything that people can do to help out as far as juices and stuff like that for the children within that timeframe, that would be greatly appreciated,” said Thomas.
State leaders are excited that the city is bringing this program back to Hartford after years without any program in place.
“I grew up going to the recs where we have opportunities to play sports and stuff at school, and for years we've been trying to get those schools open so they can have an opportunity for kids, and finally, this mayor did a great job of getting these gyms open,” said Douglas McCrory, state senator representing Hartford.
The city is also offering programs like swimming lessons at city pools. As of now, the Colt Park Pool is the only location open, but the mayor said more pools are expected to open this week.
“We want to have all four of our pools open, beautifully, newly-renovated pools, so you can cool off on hot days like today for the whole family and then keep these night gyms open for young people at night,” said Arulampalam.
The night gym schedule can be found here, and to learn more about swim lessons, visit the Hartford Sports & Recreation Department.
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Jake Garcia is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at jgarcia@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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