DETROIT – City leaders and mentors are officially launching Detroit’s “Occupy the Summer” initiative, aimed at providing children and teens with safe spaces and plenty of programming while school is out.
City officials say young people have been asking for more options and fun activities during the summer months.
The initiative also comes as Detroit and other major cities have dealt with unauthorized gatherings, including so-called “teen takeovers,” which have at times turned chaotic.
Organizers say proactive youth engagement is a key part of the solution.
“We started planning at the top of the year,” said Kayla Rice, who is helping coordinate the effort with the mayor’s office as crews prepared the Adams Butzel Recreation Center to welcome hundreds of youth and families for the kickoff.
Rice said the launch event includes activities designed to draw kids in and keep them active.
“Right behind that, we’ll have some inflatables. Some bouncy houses, a foam pit. The kids love the foam pit. So, we have to bring that back every year,” Rice said.
Mayor Mary Sheffield said the initiative is focused on investing in young people as part of a broader public safety strategy.
“This is about young people. Engaging them, creating safe spaces for them this summer, and empowering them with resources to improve their quality of life,” Sheffield said.
The program includes extended hours at recreation centers across Detroit, where youth can take part in a range of activities.
Organizers say leagues and the return of midnight basketball are also part of the schedule.
Sheffield told Local 4 she has been hearing from teens for years, well before the recent teen takeover incidents, about the need for more structured opportunities.
“I’ve been listening, not just now, in light of the teen takeovers,” Sheffield said. “We always knew that prevention and safe spaces and investing in youth was a part of the holistic approach to how we address public safety in Detroit. So, this is just one strategy.”
Sheffield said enforcement will still be part of the city’s approach, but she emphasized the importance of creating positive alternatives.
“We’re going to still enforce. We’re going to still hold people accountable. But we are also going to engage young people and create fun, engaging places for them to have fun this summer,” Sheffield said.
In addition to daily programming, the city will host special “Occupy the Summer” activations every Friday for the next 10 weeks, rotating through different neighborhoods and featuring entertainment and youth-focused events, including the kickoff at Adams Butzel.
“We’ll have Skilla Baby kicking off today. And moving forward, we have local artists. We have some NFL players that will be popping in and joining as well,” Sheffield said. “So, you never know what to expect at Occupy the Summer.”
Parents say the initiative is needed, especially when school is out, and kids don’t have structured activities.
“I think it’s real good for the kids, because it’ll keep them off the streets,” said parent Dione Mason. “Sometimes when they don’t have nothing to do, they get into things.”
Organizers say the kickoff also includes giveaways, such as more than 700 bicycles for registered youth, as part of an effort to keep Detroit kids active throughout the summer.
“No excuses,” Sheffield said. “There’s something to do every single day throughout this summer. Safe things to do. You could have a good time, but also be safe, and connect with important information and resources.”
The Friday “Occupy the Summer” events will feature local and nationally known artists, athletes, and entertainers.
Friday night’s headliner is Detroit rapper Skilla Baby.
More information about the citywide youth initiative is available at occupythesummer.com.