‘Summer of Safety’ initiative to give 10,000 Dallas teens free passes to attractions

The city of Dallas is gearing up for the third annual public safety ‘Summer of Safety’ campaign, aimed at keeping teenagers safe and engaged during the upcoming summer months.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Police Chief Eddie Garcia, Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde, and other leaders unveiled the initiative on Monday at the Mattie Nash-Myrtle Davis Recreation Center.

While violent crime has seen a decrease for the third consecutive year, the summer season typically witnesses a rise in criminal activity.

The initiative offers incentives for teenagers aged 13 to 17, residing in Dallas, to participate in various activities such as visiting top city attractions, engaging in reading programs, sports events, and day camps, all at no cost.

“We have bike courses, youth basketball camps, midnight basketball, boxing, movie nights, library programs, and opportunities to explore our city parks and recreation centers,” said DPD Chief Eddie Garcia, highlighting some of the available activities.

The Dallas Park & Recreation Department’s Teen All Access Pass will grant up to 10,000 Dallas residents aged 13-17 access to free activities throughout the month of July. This pass includes free entry to museums, water parks, nature centers, and other venues.

Interested individuals can sign up and receive the pass at any Dallas Recreation Center. Passes will be available for pickup starting July 1st at 10 a.m., while supplies last.

In addition to the Teen All Access Pass, the summer campaign features other programs offered by the mayor’s office and the Dallas Police Department (DPD). These include the SMART Summer Reading Program and the mayor’s Youth Sports Ticket Program, providing opportunities for Dallas youth to attend local sporting events at no cost.

The DPD also offers various youth programs during the summer, including boxing programs and movie nights, as stated in a city press release.

While the teen passes are distributed among the city’s recreation centers, community advocates have expressed concerns about low-income, high-crime areas potentially being overlooked in the program’s prioritization. There are also worries that parents and teenagers may not be aware of these opportunities in time.

Addressing these concerns, Mayor Johnson assured the audience that information about the summer initiative will soon be displayed on digital billboards across the city.