Tracy Press

 
City will start a "Rollin' Rec" program Monday for kids in the neighborhoods. See below for the schedule of parks.

The “Rollin’ Rec” program will provide activities for children from ages 8 through 14 years from 2:30 to 5 p.m. weekdays in a different park each week around town.

The purpose is to help youths build a sense of community by getting them together and engaging them in safe, positive activities. They will be able to choose from arts and crafts projects, leader-led games and activities, board games, and sports, such as basketball and football.

Last year, the Tracy Police Department saw juvenile crime increase between 3 and 4 p.m. weekdays. Those statistics, according to a statement from the city, along with results from community forums and youth focus groups, demonstrate the need for positive recreation experiences in neighborhoods with poor facilities.

Twelve-year-old Damon Sanchez, who lives off C and West Fourth streets, said he’d take advantage of the program if more sports equipment was passed out.

“If they’re passing out, like baseball gloves and bats and balls, then I’d be down,” he said. “But I don’t care about board games.”

Mark Gabriel, 13, who lives on Askren Court, said he agreed that a variety of sports equipment should be offered.

“Everyone has footballs and basketballs,” he said. “What about in-line hockey equipment and tennis rackets?”

Below is the list of parks and their corresponding dates through December:

• McDonald Park, Monday through Friday 

• Marlow Brothers Park, Aug. 25 through 29

• GalliPark,  Sept. 2 through 5

• El Pescadero Park, Sept. 8 through 12

• Zanussi Park, Sept. 15 through 19

• Thoming Park, Sept. 22 through 26

• Tracy Sports Complex, Sept. 29 through Oct. 3

• Kenner Park, Oct. 6 through 10

• Lincoln Park, Oct. 13 through 17

• Yasui Park, Oct. 20 through 24

• Marlow Park, Oct. 27 through 31

• Kenner Park, Nov. 3 through 7

• Larsen Park, Nov. 10 through 14

• Galli Park, Nov. 17 through 21

• Tracy Sports Complex, Dec. 1 through 5

• McDonald Park, Dec. 8 through 12

The city will host a Rollin’ Rec kickoff event and ribbon-cutting of its new van and trailer at McDonald Park, Central Avenue and South Street, at 2:30 p.m. Monday.

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written by Nicki , August 18, 2008

I think this is a wonderful idea, but I am wondering how are they going to protect their equipment from being taken? Anyway, I hope it works and keeps kids active in other things except crime.

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written by amy , August 18, 2008

Will they store the equipments in the van? Excellent Program!

-amy