Nearly 35K Attend San Diego's 'Parks After Dark' Events

SAN DIEGO, CA — A record number of San Diegans participated in the city's Parks After Dark events this summer, with more than 34,800 turning out for 99 events during the months of June and July, the city announced Wednesday.

Mayor Todd Gloria spoke about the event and the number who attended.

"Five years after launching this program, it's exciting to see thousands of kids and families making the most of their neighborhood parks and everything they have to offer," he said. "That's exactly what these public spaces are for, and I'm proud to see Parks After Dark continue to grow."

In total, the city used five community parks -- City Heights Recreation Center, Linda Vista Recreation Center, Memorial Recreation Center, Skyline Hills Recreation Center and Silver Wing Recreation Center -- for a series of events, including movie nights, arts and crafts, games, live music and sports clinics.

"Every neighborhood deserves parks that are safe, welcoming and full of life. Parks After Dark shows what it looks like when we invest in public spaces as places for neighbors to connect, have fun and build community," City Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera said. "For thousands of San Diego families, a free meal and a safe place for kids to play have made San Diego a better place for them to live. At the same time, evenings spent with neighbors have created lifelong memories. I'm proud to see this program continue to grow."

The city also distributed more than 16,500 hot meals for young people, and the San Diego Parks Foundation distributed 500 backpacks filled with school supplies.

"Parks After Dark continues to be an essential source of safe space for everyone in the summertime," said Andy Field, director of the Parks and Recreation Department. "We are proud of our city staff and our community partners that once again came through in supporting our efforts to provide these activities, which bring our parks to life in the evening hours, every summer. We always invite all families to join us, and -- like every year -- families didn't miss the call."

The program was started in 2022 by the San Diego Parks Foundation to provide families and children in high-crime neighborhoods with free, safe summer activities.

"Parks After Dark is more than a summer program -- it's proof of what happens when a community comes together," said Kim Mathis, vice president of programs at the San Diego Parks Foundation. "These evenings create safe, welcoming spaces where neighbors become friends and parks become the heart of the community. We are proud of what we accomplished this season and grateful to everyone who made it possible."

Several city departments, including the San Diego Police Department, Parks and Recreation, City Aquatics, and more, joined several philanthropic organizations such as Price Philanthropies, Prebys Foundation, and Feeding San Diego to make the events possible.

"Parks are more than places to play -- they are places where people come together, build relationships and feel a sense of belonging," said Emily Young, vice president of programs at Prebys Foundation. "Parks After Dark shows what's possible when public spaces are activated with intention and community at the center. We're proud to support this work and the many partners creating safe, joyful and welcoming experiences for young people and families across San Diego."