The Los Angeles program known as Summer Nights Lights offers not only organized activities in a safe environment citywide, but it now also provides 240 summer jobs for young men and women.
Summer Nights Lights was launched two summers ago at 8 parks as part of Mayor Villaraigosa's gang reduction and youth development plans. Now, the program is up to 24 parks, where the lights literally turn night into day, and allow park goers to have fun in a safe, well-lighted environment late into the night.
Much of the funding comes from private donations, with the city budget still hurting. Butt neighborhood parents see Summer Nights Lights as a wise investment.
Summer Nights Lights runs Wednesday through Saturday until September 4th.
Here is the complete list of the 24 parks included in the program: