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Honoring and commending Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network (PAAN) for its proactive efforts to ensure the safety of youth and families in the 8th Councilmanic District's Recreation Centers and celebrating their success in maintaining violence-free zones through the implementation of the "Playing It Safe in the 8th" initiative.
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WHEREAS, Playgrounds and recreation centers across Philadelphia have long served as vital community spaces, fostering connection, physical activity, and joy for children and families; and
WHEREAS, Despite an encouraging citywide decrease in homicides and shootings in 2025, incidents of gun violence at playgrounds have increased, underscoring the urgent need for localized public safety interventions, particularly for Philadelphia’s youth; and
WHEREAS, In the Spring of 2025 alone, Philadelphia experienced several cases of violence involving teenagers at playgrounds and recreation centers, leaving communities traumatized and demanding change; and
WHEREAS, In response to these challenges, "Playing It Safe in the 8th" was developed, a bold and proactive violence-prevention strategy aimed at transforming recreation centers in the 8th District into safe, supportive, and resilient community spaces; and
WHEREAS, "Playing It Safe in the 8th" established Community Partnership Hubs at four pilot sites, Jerome Brown, Happy Hollow, Lonnie Young, and Belfield Recreation Centers, bringing together trained violence intervention specialists from the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network (PAAN) and Community Relations Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department; and
WHEREAS, The initiative is rooted in community care and public trust, relying not on enforcement or criminalization, but on de-escalation, real-time engagement, and relationship-building to support youth and prevent violence before it occurs; and
WHEREAS, Since the implementation of “Playing It Safe in the 8th,” there have been no reported incidents of violence at any of the participating recreation centers, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in creating truly safe havens for families; and
WHEREAS, The success of “Playing It Safe in the 8th” reflects the power of collaboration among City agencies, community organizations, and law enforcement, and serves as a promising model for public safety efforts across the City of Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and commends the “Playing It Safe in the 8th” initiative for its visionary leadership, community-centered approach, and measurable success in keeping Philadelphia’s recreation centers safe, welcoming, and free of violence.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network (PAAN) as an expression of the sincere admiration and appreciation of this legislative body.
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