PAL Play Street expanded to 10 NYCHA developments this week.
Image: NYCHA Flickr
The Police Athletic League’s (PAL) Play Street program in New York is a program that allows NYC youth to play in a safe, fun, and supervised place during the summer. Closing off streets and public areas throughout the city, Play Street helps teach valuable life skills and supports kids as they grow up. And now, the program is extending even further—earlier this week, it expanded to 10 NYCHA housing developments.
“Recreational and educational programs such as the PAL Play Street provide a safe haven for our youth and afford them invaluable life skills,” NYCHA Chairman John Rhea said. “ Partnerships such as these enable us to prepare and support our youth, who are not only our most precious resource but our future.”
Available to youth aged 6-16, PAL Play Street locations allow youth to play games, participate in sports, learn about cultural arts, and more with their peers. Operating M-F from 9 AM until 5 PM, the program also offers prevention education and lessons on valuable life skills.
An NYPD officer offers basketball advice.
Image: NYCHA Flickr
Part of the reason the PAL Play Street program is able to continue is because of narcotics trafficking proceeds. It seems appropriate that money brought in during criminal prosecutions by the Special Narcotics Prosecutor is being used toward a program that is actively trying to prevent those problems for current youth.
“My office and our partners are renewing support of the new Play Street at Douglass Houses in the hopes of making a lasting, positive impact on children in the community,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan. “We are thankful to the Police Athletic League for their leadership in improving the lives of New York City’s children, by providing safe places to enjoy fun, recreational activities.”