Summer rec programs on the way

Every summer, Mayor Nutter says, parents complain about a lack of activities for teens.

So in response, he and the Department of Recreation have launched a summer initiative to keep youth safe, active and employed.

He'll reveal the plans today at a an 11:15 a.m. news conference at Hancock Playground, in North Philadelphia, along with Sue Slawson, the department's new recreation commissioner.

"There are [fewer] structured opportunities for teenagers. . . . The teen camp is quite an exciting idea," said the mayor, referring to one of several summer programs.

The city will provide 18,000 "Safe and Summer" programs, the largest number of opportunities offered to youth by the city ever, said the Rec Department's public affairs coordinator, Alain Joinville.

Also, 575 summer jobs will be offered in conjunction with the Philadelphia Youth Network, he said.

Expect recreational swimming pools to open on time, said Nutter, and extended hours.

To combat potential violence, Slawson, a former cop who commanded the Police Athletic League, said beefed-up police patrols and additional lighting are among the safety measures.

"We will make sure there is more visibility," she said yesterday. Summer programs set forth by the Department of Recreation include:

* The Play Ball initiative, 12 instructional baseball programs operated in underserved areas, including South, Southwest and North Philadelphia.

The department revitalized 42 baseball fields throughout the city in March and has been operating the program since early May.

* Teen Camp, 10 new programs, within nine districts targeted in Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey's anti-crime plan, aim to expose youth to different professions.

The camps will run Monday through Friday, starting July 17, from 2 to 6 p.m. for youth 12 to 16 years old.

For more information, call 215- 683-3600. *