WHEREAS, Safe and welcoming neighborhood spaces provide young people and families with opportunities to connect, build relationships, access resources, and enjoy their communities; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Police Department launched Summer Night Lights in North Philadelphia as a community-centered public-safety initiative designed to activate neighborhood spaces through consistent programming, family engagement, mentorship, recreation, and positive interactions between residents and law-enforcement personnel; and
WHEREAS, The inaugural Summer Night Lights pilot brought together the Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, City agencies, schools, community organizations, philanthropic partners, local vendors, and neighborhood residents; and
WHEREAS, The pilot demonstrated the value of a collaborative approach to public safety that combines youth programming and community-building with attention to the environmental and quality-of-life conditions that shape neighborhood well-being; and
WHEREAS, Summer Night Lights returns in 2026 with five weeks of free weekday programming for young people, families, and neighbors, including food, live music, games, activities, and opportunities for meaningful community engagement; and
WHEREAS, Weekly programming will address violence prevention and community safety; education and future pathways; health, wellness, and inclusion; employment and financial literacy; and leadership, life skills, and family engagement; and
WHEREAS, The 2026 Summer Night Lights series will take place from Monday, July 13 through Friday, August 14, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each weekday at Penrose Recreation Center, located at 1101 West Susquehanna Avenue, and Winchester Recreation Center, located at 2332 North 15th Street; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes the Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and their community partners for the positive impact of the Summer Night Lights initiative and for advancing a model of public safety grounded in collaboration, consistent neighborhood presence, youth opportunity, and community connection; and
End