NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WFSB) – The Elm City is looking at options to keep kids safe and off the streets this summer.
Over the weekend, New Haven police say four juveniles were in a stolen car that hit two police cruisers while trying to get away.
While police deal with that ongoing criminal aspect of kids getting into trouble, the city wants them to know that there are other options.
Candace Wright heads up the nonprofit Solar Youth that works with Elm City kids.
This summer, they will be at the newly renovated West Rock Nature Center.
“I grew up around this. My dad took me hiking and bike riding. But for many of our urban youth, they really don’t have access to spaces like this. They need to know this is a safe space for them,” Wright said. “For us to be able to come here with kids, for free, no questions asked, is miraculous.”
The welcome center and nature house first opened back in 1946, but fell into disrepair over the years.
Now, the city’s parks department, along with non profits, will provide programing including summer camps and recreational opportunities for kids of all ages.
“The fact that we’re not only locating the site really close to young people who need a lot of support, but partnering with groups who have a long history of working with young people, mentoring them, keep them on track, is something we think provide a lot of results,” said Mayor Justin Elicker, (D), New Haven.
“A lot of these kids really need to get away and really find their inner self and nature helps them do that,” said Alder Honda Smith, (D), New Haven.
The city is also using American Rescue Plan funding to renovate a number of older, under-utilized buildings to get them back online to house youth, senior and community programing.
“When you introduce them to something that they’ve never learned before, it becomes a norm for them afterwards. When they don’t know anything, they’re not going to know they can get out of trouble by doing these different things,” Smith said.
This year, 15 kids from West Rock and Newhalville will get to enjoy the outdoor exploration summer camp, free of charge.
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