COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther’s spring break safety initiatives are currently underway.
Mayor Ginther announced his plan to keep kids safe during the week-long break on March 15 at Linden McKinley STEM Academy. The school is located at 1320 Duxberry Avenue in Columbus.
Several programs are planned from March 25 through April 1, 2016, including extended hours at city community centers.
“We have people at our recreation centers that are mentors to these young people that come to our centers every day,” said Mario Martin, Program Director for Applications for Purpose, Pride and Success (APPS).
The group is offering programming from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday with activities such as soccer and basketball tournaments, art and other games.
Martin says turnout at Linden Community Recreation Center topped 100 with other centers reporting high participation among kids.
“We think it’s a great time this spring break to allow them to be kids, provide a safe place, have great activities, have adults around them who love them,” said Martin.
APPS mentor many of the kids that come to city recreation centers. These men and women develop relationships with young people that help the learn how to find positive endings to conflicts.
In addition to the programs at the recreation centers, reading, college prep and homework help can be found at Columbus Metropolitan Libraries.
“All the people that are on my team with APPS, they are people who are truly passionate about young people,” said Martin. “They want them to be safe and want them to have those opportunities over the break and throughout the year.”