A free summer program for kids is expanding in Johnstown and helping kids in at-risk neighborhoods.
The Playground Takeover Program started last summer at the Wood Street Playground in Hornerstown. This year, kids are taking over the Park Avenue Playground in Moxham, too.
The Coaches 4 Kids Foundation and the Goodwill GoodGuides Youth Mentoring Program teamed up to run the playground takeovers.
Kids under 18-years-old can play sports, do crafts and talk with mentors Monday-Thursday for free, all summer long. Anywhere from 15-40 kids attend the programs each week.
Parents said people used to sell and do drugs at the Park Avenue Playground, but the takeover program has helped make it a safer place for their kids to play.
The founder of Coaches 4 Kids, Tony Penna Sr., said he had a summer playground program when he was growing up, so he wanted to provide the same positive outlet for kids.
“I don’t care who comes here, who your father is, mother is. You come here you’re going to have fun. We’re not looking to arrest, do any police work. This is strictly a safe haven for young people from anywhere,” said Tony Penna Sr., the founder of Coaches 4 Kids.
The Playground Takeover Program is also helping older kids by providing mentoring and job opportunities. Find out how next week when WTAJ heads out On the Road in Cambria County.
