Written by Ingrid Gendler
PAL PLAYSTREETS are back this summer and we are so excited for our youth and NYPD officers to be able to get out and play together! In this blog post, we’d like to share some of the incredible history of this exciting and beloved program, including how it has grown into the summer staple we know today.
PAL PLAYSTREETS are the cornerstone of our summer programming, and have been around since PAL’s founding in 1914! Over one hundred years ago, Police Commissioner Arthur Woods began his advocacy for a safe space for New York City’s kids to play. Out of concern for the poor living conditions of city youth, he encouraged the city to set aside blocks where kids could play and interact with officers, and where they could spend their summer productively. That first year he received an outpouring of gratitude and support from parents of New York City’s youth, and the organization that would become PAL knew a program so successful and beloved had to continue.
Every year, PAL hosts an official opening of PLAYSTREETS, which features PAL staff, youth, NYPD officers, and local elected officials all coming together to mark the official beginning of the summer season. The highlight of the event is the traditional opening of a fire hydrant, a tradition beloved by everyone especially longtime PAL Chairman, Hon. Robert M. Morgenthau, who participated every year. The classic New York summer image of an open hydrant and kids at play made known that summer was truly here at PAL!
As PAL grew, so did PLAYSTREETS, and in the summer months, PAL youth could count on having a place to play and learn in these closed off city blocks. With games, sports, arts and crafts, and other organized activities designed to promote activity and to engage kids, PAL parents know their kids have a safe and supervised place to be in the summer months. PAL youth can play sports like soccer and basketball, can make crafts like bracelets or tye-dye, or play any assortment of games. PLAYSTREETS staff, including arts and sports specialists are always there to supervise and ensure a safe, active, and fun summer. Together with NYPD mentors, PAL youth spend time getting to know each other, playing together, and soaking in the joy of summer in the city!
This year, PAL is working hard to bring back the beloved and iconic summer program, so that once again New York City’s youth can enjoy a fun and safe summer in the city.
