Youth, Safety, & Recreation We will provide young people and families with the opportunities to thrive through programs and services that engage, support, and inspire, as well as safe and fun spaces that will contribute to the character of the neighborhood. Back of the Yards hosts a range of community-building programs and activities for its residents, including Hoops in the Hood, Ballet Folklorico, One Summer Chicago, and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. In addition to the continuation of these programs, residents expressed a strong desire for the expansion of community recreation options, emphasizing yearlong recreational and community support programming for all ages. Many residents highlighted the need for safe, engaging recreational and leadership opportunities for youth, as well as diverse programming for adults and seniors that could be implemented through the community’s preexisting assets.
According to the Illinois Collaboration on Youth, Teen REACH participants graduated at a rate of 99.8%, compared to the statewide graduation rate of 86%. After School Matters reports show that 93% of participants graduated and 79% reported gains in leadership, teamwork, and problem solving skills. By expanding youth-oriented programs, teens are exposed to engaging environments and given the tools to help them to become productive, skilled, and healthy individuals. These programs also give youth access to a safe haven during afterschool hours when juvenile crime tends to peak. Community partnerships between the Chicago Park District, neighborhood schools, and Back of the Yards businesses and organizations can be forged to provide recreational programming and workforce development opportunities. In addition to youth engagement, it is critical that all residents have access to recreation, safety, and family services. This begins with increased awareness and utilization of already existing neighborhood resources. Back of the Yards organizations can accomplish this through community outreach, increased social media presence, and the development of online information portals. Resident safety can be enhanced by coordinating crime prevention as a community and by creating peaceful, non-violent spaces throughout the neighborhood. The following strategies focus on increasing access to neighborhood services, recreation opportunities, and safe spaces.
Residents also expressed a need to expand after-school programs such as Teen REACH and After School Matters, which are proven to assist in the development of employability, academic, and leadership skills, while providing a positive recreational and social outlet for teens.
Back of the Yards Neighborhood Plan
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