Smart Recreation Builds Character in South L.A.
In
October, hundreds of boys and girls in three South
Los Angeles housing projects began participating in
a “smart recreation” program at Markham Middle
School. The City of L.A. Department of Recreation
and Parks offers flag football, soccer, basketball,
arts and crafts, and drill team for 11- to
15-year-0ld residents of the Nickerson Gardens,
Jordan Downs and Imperial Courts developments.
“The 1 Watts Character Building Program offers kids
healthy, positive alternatives to gang activity and
other high-risk behavior,” said Karl Stephens, the
Acting Senior Recreation Director of the William
Nickerson Center.
Besides recreational activities, Stephens and
another full-time Rec and Parks staff member, a
part-time staff member, and seven volunteers provide
guidance, coaching and mentoring for up to 100
students daily.
Thirty girls participated when “1WCBP” offered drill
team and drums during lunch Tuesdays through
Fridays. In November, drill and drums were switched
to two hours daily on three afternoons per week.
In
December, lunch-hour flag football and soccer
activities serving up to 54 students will also
switch to after school. Six teams for each sport –
named after colleges from the Pac 10 conference –
will compete three afternoons a week. After nine
weeks, the athletic activity will change to
basketball and volleyball.
Staff will also take participants on a team-building
bowling outing during December.
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